Charlee-Sue Frail’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has put her at the same table as Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and Lance Franklin.

But the proud Ngemba nation woman finds her greatest enjoyment in the opportunity it’s presented to help drive the national conversation around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Voice. Treaty. Truth., resonates with the Sydney Swans Reconciliation Action Plan committee member for exactly that reason.

“One of the great things we do in the football community is tell stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history,” Frail told Swans Media.

“Sport is a really cut-through platform for us to talk about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. In my role at AFL NSW/ACT and the Swans’ RAP committee, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to think about the role we can play to educate the Australian people. 

“I think if we’re looking at the theme of ‘truth’, then we have to have open minds and be willing to learn about the untaught elements of our history and culture. We have to be mature, be respectful and be open to challenging conversations. If we do this our country will go a long way in its journey of healing and determining the future that we all want as Australians.”