Former Collingwood star Daniel Wells is one of 12 people appointed to a special anti-racism group at the club as it takes the next step in stamping the issue of systemic racism out.
Wells played 15 of his 258 AFL games for Collingwood before his retirement in 2019, and already works for the club in its Indigenous community programs.
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According to a Collingwood statement, the anti-racism group will assist the club in developing a "framework for change and ultimately provide community leadership on addressing racism".
The group will report directly to Collingwood's board to advice on the development of an improved framework for responding to incidents of racism as well as the creation and implementation of anti-racism policies.
The establishment of an anti-racism group was a key recommendation of the club's recently released Do Better Report.
Collingwood's anti-racism group is one of a number of changes at the club since the damning report into the club's culture over its recent history.
Long-time club president Eddie McGuire recently reliquished his role in order to allow the club to embark on its next chapter.
"The work Collingwood must do is necessary and important. It ought to inspire and add weight to the need for change that has been building in our communities for decades," Collingwood director Jodie Sizer said.
"So it was as important to find people who are passionate, capable and willing to help the club meet its moment.
"We are very pleased to have such rich experience and expertise to draw upon as we embark on a process that will modernise Collingwood and, hopefully, make a further contribution to our code and country."
COLLINGWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB'S 12-PERSON ANTI-RACISM GROUP
Eddie Cubillo, former Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination commissioner. Senior Fellow with University of Melbourne Law School. A descendant of the Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrente peoples.
Tasneem Chopra, diversity, equity and inclusion consultant on issues of leadership, cultural competence and intersectional discrimination.
Melinda Cilento, company director, economist and experienced senior executive. Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia Board, CEO of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and non-executive director of Australian Unity.
Janine Coombs, a Wotjobaluk woman, currently Deputy Chair of Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. Member of Collingwood Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Committee.
Tanya Hosch, Torres Strait Islander woman, currently Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy at the AFL. Formerly joint campaign director of the Recognise movement for constitutional reform.
Rana Hussain, a diversity and inclusion leader and consultant, specialising in sport, corporate leadership and not for profit organisations.
Andrew Jackomos, a Yorta Yorta/Gunditjmara man. Victorian Government Executive Director for Aboriginal Economic Development. Member of the Collingwood Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Committee.
Tony Lovett, a Gunditjmara man and Community Services Officer with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association. Member of Collingwood Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Committee.
Professor Yin Paradies, a Wakaya man who is Professor of Race Relations at Deakin University.
Jodie Sizer, a founding partner and co-CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting. A Djab Wurrung/Gunditjmara woman and one of Australia's foremost Indigenous leaders. Chair of Australian Institute of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Studies. Collingwood director.
Dr Helen Szoke (OA), former Australian Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. Chief Executive of Oxfam from 2013 to 2019.
Daniel Wells, former Collingwood and North Melbourne player currently working with Collingwood's Indigenous community programs and AFL recruiting staff. A descendant of the Wangatha and Wirangu peoples.
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