RAP Working Group Co-Chair Appointed

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) is delighted to announce John Paul Janke as the new Co-Chair of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.
 
Janke is from Wuthathi Country on the Eastern Cape York Peninsula and Mer (Murray) Island in Zenadth Kes, the Torres Strait and his vast experience working across Indigenous Affairs will bring invaluable expertise as the NBL further strengthens its commitment to reconciliation and making a meaningful and tangible impact.
 
“Basketball’s growth provides an excellent platform for First Nations communities to be involved across so many aspects of the sport,” Janke said.
 
“I look forward to helping to continue developing pathways in the game for young Indigenous people - in a sport that is now one of the most popular team sports across the nation.”
 
Janke is the Deputy Chair of the National Museum of Australia’s Indigenous Reference Group and has previously sat on the Diversity Council of Australia’s Expert Advisory Panel, was the Deputy Chair of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre and was the Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee.
 
He is also the co-owner of Rork Projects, a national Indigenous construction company servicing the corporate and government sectors, the co-host of SBS/NITV’s flagship Indigenous news and current affairs show ‘The Point’, and a presenter on ABC Radio Canberra.
 
Last year, Janke helped the NBL launch its Indigenous Round at Parliament House. 
  
Janke is a passionate advocate for the need for a greater awareness and celebration of the rich histories and the diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
 
Fellow Co-Chair of the RAP Working Group, NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger, welcomed Janke’s appointment. 
 
“John Paul joins the RAP Working Group at a vital time, as we transition into the next step of our cultural journey – developing and establishing an Innovate RAP,” Loeliger said.
 
“The Working Group has guided the NBL through its Reflect RAP, and the League has made strides in shaping and implementing reconciliation initiatives in that time. This includes the establishment of the Indigenous Player Rule and launching last season’s Indigenous Round at Parliament House. 
 
“I also acknowledge and thank outgoing RAP Working Group Co Chair, Leanne Brooke, for her leadership and valuable contribution to the NBL on its Reconciliation journey over the last few years.
 
“Now, with John Paul’s guidance, we will develop a greater understanding of how we can grow and expand our impact on making meaningful, sustainable, and tangible change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” 
 
Members of the NBL’s RAP Working Group include:

• John Paul Janke – (Co-Chair) Co-owner of Rork Projects, Co-host of SBS/NITV’s ‘The Point’, Deputy Chair of the National Museum of Australia’s Indigenous Reference Group, former Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee.
• Jeremy Loeliger – (Co-Chair) NBL Commissioner 
• Anita Pahor – Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, NBL and Founder, LARITA Academy
• Ricky Baldwin – CEO of Koorie Academy Basketball
• Danny Morseu – Chairperson National Indigenous Basketball Academy and NBL Hall of Fame Member
• Kerry Williams – Assistant Coach & Taipans Indigenous Program (TIP) Ambassador 
• Nate Jawai – Former NBL Player, first Indigenous Player to be drafted in the NBA
• Cal Bruton – Founder/Director of the Bruton Basketball Foundation and NBL Hall of Fame Member
• David Stevenson - Chief Executive Officer, NBL
• Brad Joyner – Chief Commercial Officer, NBL
• Janelle McQueen – First Nations Indigenous Support Liaison, NBL
• Scott Butler – Head of Referees, NBL
• Guy Neville – General Manager, NBL Media and eSports
• Celia McDonald – Executive Coordinator, NBL