[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]A[/mkdf_dropcaps]

FL inclusion and social policy general manager, Tanya Hosch, was named South Australia’s 2021 Citizen of the Year, thanks to ‘her lifelong commitment to fighting racism and improving Indigenous outcomes’.

Hosch is the first Indigenous person and second female to be named an AFL executive, in a role the Australian of the Year Award ceremony organisers said had paved the way for women, Indigenous Australians and the entire community.

Hosch told NITV News she was surprised to be nominated for the award and is honoured to receive recognition for her contributions.

“I grew up with a keen sense of justice, and that is something that has impacted me from a young age, based on the racism and discrimination I experience,” Hosch said.

While accepting her award on Monday at the Adelaide Oval ceremony, Hosch said she finds value in creating a public conversation around challenging topics.

“I think one of the things that every nominee here understands is that you can’t change things on your own,” Hosch said in her acceptance speech.

“It takes a community; it takes a whole society…

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to have opportunities and platforms, and if I’ve got those, I should be using those for things that really matter.

“I’m fortunate I get to spend my days and nights working on things I’m passionate about,” she said.

As part of her role within the AFL, and her work in the broader Australian community, Hosch has founded ‘The Indigenous Players Alliane’, created the review and overhaul of the AFL’s anti-vilification policy, and led a social media campaign to inform and protect Indigenous communities from COVID-19.

Following the award, Hosch will join candidates from the other Australian states and territories in the race for the Australian of the Year award, which will be announced at the national award ceremony in January 2021.