
Adam Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). Goodes is renowned for his community work and anti-racism advocacy, which led to him being named Australian of the Year in 2014. Goodes has used his platform to address social justice issues and empower young Indigenous Australians through education. He has also spent time working with troubled Indigenous youth and co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation, which aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models. Goodes has made a significant impact on how racism is addressed in Australia, particularly within sports, bringing about critical conversations and change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 8 January 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Wallaroo, South Australia, Australia |
| Profession | Former professional Australian rules footballer |
| Clubs | Sydney Swans |
| Awards | Australian of the Year (2014), Dual Brownlow Medallist, Dual Premiership Player, Four-time All-Australian, Member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, Representative of Australia in the International Rules Series |
| Advocacy | Anti-racism, Social justice, Indigenous rights, Education for Indigenous children |
| Foundation | The Goodes-O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) |
| Other Contributions | Ambassador for brands like Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, and Woolworths |
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What You'll Learn
- Adam Goodes was named Australian of the Year in 2014 for his anti-racism work
- He co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation to empower Indigenous Australians
- Goodes is a social justice advocate for Indigenous Australians
- He is an ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation
- Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer

Adam Goodes was named Australian of the Year in 2014 for his anti-racism work
Adam Goodes, a former professional Australian rules footballer, was named Australian of the Year in 2014 for his anti-racism work and advocacy for Indigenous Australians. Goodes has used his platform to address social justice issues and speak out against racism, particularly within sports, bringing about critical conversations and change in Australia.
Goodes' anti-racism advocacy dates back to his football career, where he actively supported Indigenous community groups and spoke out about Indigenous rights. He experienced racism within the AFL due to his Aboriginal descent, which led to him taking indefinite leave and eventually retiring from the sport in 2015. Goodes was the target of a sustained booing campaign from opposition fans, which was sparked by an Indigenous war dance celebration that was perceived as aggressive by some spectators.
Despite the challenges he faced, Goodes continued his anti-racism work beyond his football career. He co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) in 2009 with his cousin and former teammate, Michael O'Loughlin. The GO Foundation aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models through education, employment, and healthy lifestyles. Goodes has also been involved with other organisations such as the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), where he has supported specialised literacy programs for vulnerable First Nations children.
In addition to his work with the GO Foundation and ALNF, Goodes has advised large organisations on their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and served as an ambassador for prominent brands, including Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, and Woolworths. Through his anti-racism advocacy, Goodes has made a significant impact on how racism is addressed in Australia and continues to be a powerful voice for social justice and Indigenous rights.
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He co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation to empower Indigenous Australians
Adam Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). Goodes is of Aboriginal descent and has been actively involved in the Sydney Indigenous community. Notably, he has dedicated time to working with troubled Indigenous youth, including those in youth detention centres, alongside his cousin and former teammate, Michael O'Loughlin.
In September 2009, Goodes and O'Loughlin co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (also known as the GO Foundation), a non-profit organisation with the vision of empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models across Australia. The foundation aims to create a brighter future for Indigenous children and youth by focusing on three key areas: education, employment, and healthy lifestyles.
The GO Foundation's work in the education sector involves providing scholarships and mentoring support to Indigenous students, helping them to complete their schooling and transition into further education or employment. They also work with schools to promote cultural awareness and understanding, fostering an inclusive environment for Indigenous students.
In addition to their work in education, the foundation helps Indigenous individuals secure employment opportunities by partnering with businesses to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. They also provide training and development programs to enhance the skills and employability of Indigenous job seekers.
Furthermore, the GO Foundation recognises the importance of healthy lifestyles in empowering Indigenous Australians. They organise and support various sporting and recreational activities within the Indigenous community, promoting physical and mental well-being. They also address issues such as substance abuse and encourage healthy coping mechanisms.
Through the work of the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation, Adam Goodes has made a significant impact on Indigenous empowerment in Australia. By addressing key areas such as education, employment, and health, the foundation has helped create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Indigenous Australians, fostering the development of positive role models within their communities.
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Goodes is a social justice advocate for Indigenous Australians
Adam Goodes is a prominent social justice advocate for Indigenous Australians. Throughout his football career, Goodes actively supported Indigenous community groups and spoke out about Indigenous rights, particularly issues concerning racism. In 2009, he co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin. The foundation aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models across all walks of life in Australia through education, employment, and healthy lifestyles.
Goodes has also worked with troubled Indigenous youth, including those in youth detention centres, and has helped start an Indigenous football academy. He has used his public profile and influence to address racism and promote quality education for young Indigenous children in remote communities. In 2014, he was named Australian of the Year, recognising his community work and advocacy in the fight against racism. Goodes has made a significant impact on how racism is talked about and addressed in Australia, particularly within sports, bringing about critical conversations and change.
In addition to his work with the GO Foundation, Goodes has been involved with other organisations that support Indigenous communities. He joined the board of Supply Nation in 2014, a government-funded body that aims to grow the Indigenous business sector through supplier diversity. Goodes has also advised large organisations on their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and is an ambassador for prominent brands, including Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, and Woolworths. With Woolworths, he is a board member for Support Through Australia Natural Disasters (STAND), a disaster relief program founded by Woolworths and the Salvation Army.
Goodes has also worked with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) as an ambassador and board member. He has carried out groundwork with ALNF, visiting disadvantaged communities and supporting their initiatives and programs. In 2017, he led a fundraising collaboration with David Jones that raised over $100,000 for ALNF's Literacy is Freedom campaign.
Goodes' advocacy for Indigenous Australians has been a constant throughout his career and has had a significant impact on addressing racism and promoting education and empowerment within Indigenous communities.
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He is an ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation
Adam Goodes, a former professional Australian rules footballer, has been an influential figure in advocating for Indigenous Australians' rights and social justice. As an ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), Goodes has actively worked to address the issue of low literacy and numeracy skills among Indigenous children. He has stated that education is "the way forward" in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Goodes has been a powerful voice in highlighting the disparities in literacy rates, expressing his dismay at the fact that Indigenous children are three times more likely to fail minimum literacy and numeracy tests. Through his work with the ALNF, he has advocated for more funding and training in early education, recognising its long-term impact on children's lives. Goodes has also been involved in grassroots efforts, visiting disadvantaged communities and supporting specialised literacy programs that address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable First Nations children.
One notable initiative led by Goodes as an ALNF ambassador was a collaboration with David Jones in 2017. This collaboration successfully raised over $100,000 for the ALNF's "Literacy is Freedom" campaign, with David Jones donating all profits from a limited-edition tee designed by popular brands. This initiative further emphasised the importance of literacy in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to pursue their career aspirations.
Goodes' commitment to improving literacy and numeracy skills among Indigenous youth extends beyond his work with the ALNF. He co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) with his cousin and former teammate, Michael O'Loughlin. The GO Foundation aims to empower Indigenous youth to become role models in various sectors by focusing on education, employment, and healthy lifestyles. Goodes' dedication to education is driven by his own experiences growing up in a disadvantaged family and witnessing the sacrifices made by his mother to ensure he received an education.
Through his work with the ALNF and other initiatives, Goodes has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving literacy and numeracy among Indigenous Australians. He recognises the transformative power of education in creating a brighter future for Indigenous communities and fostering equality in Australia. Goodes' advocacy has not only raised awareness but has also translated into tangible actions and collaborations that are making a significant difference in the lives of Indigenous youth across the country.
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Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer
Adam Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). Goodes, who is of Aboriginal descent, was born in South Australia and moved to Victoria as a young boy. It was in Ballarat, Victoria, that Goodes first developed a passion for AFL. His natural talent for the sport saw him quickly rise through the ranks, and he was drafted by the Sydney Swans from North Ballarat U18s in 1997.
Goodes made his senior AFL debut in 1999 at the age of 19 and went on to have a celebrated career spanning over 17 seasons. He established himself as a solid utility player and one of Sydney's best scorers. In 2003, he was named to the first of four All-Australian teams and was a joint recipient of the Brownlow Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player of the season. Goodes is also a dual premiership player and a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century.
Beyond his achievements on the football field, Goodes is also known for his community work and advocacy against racism. He has actively supported Indigenous community groups and spoken out about Indigenous rights and social justice issues. Goodes has used his public profile and influence to address racism and push for quality education for young Indigenous children in remote communities. In 2009, he co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) with his cousin and former teammate, Michael O'Loughlin. The GO Foundation aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models through education, employment, and healthy lifestyles.
Goodes was named Australian of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his efforts to end racism and his work with Indigenous youth community programs. However, his outspokenness on racial issues also made him the target of a sustained booing campaign from opposition fans, which ultimately contributed to his decision to retire from the AFL in 2015. Despite the challenges he faced, Goodes has made a significant impact on how racism is addressed in Australia, particularly within sports, and continues to be a powerful voice for social justice and Indigenous empowerment.
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Frequently asked questions
Adam Goodes is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL) and is considered one of the game's leading players. He is a dual Brownlow Medallist, dual premiership player, four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and representative of Australia in the International Rules Series.
Adam Goodes is a social justice advocate for Indigenous Australians. He has worked with troubled Indigenous youth, including those in youth detention centres, and helped start an Indigenous football academy. In 2009, he co-founded the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation), which aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models across Australia through education, employment, and healthy lifestyles.
Adam Goodes has been outspoken about racial issues and has experienced racism within his football career. He has used his public profile and influence to stand up and speak out against racism, bringing critical conversations and change to how racism is addressed in Australia, particularly within sports. In 2014, he was named Australian of the Year for his advocacy work against racism and empowering young Indigenous people.
Adam Goodes has been an ambassador for prominent brands such as Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, and Woolworths. He is also involved with disaster relief programs and supports specialised literacy programs for vulnerable First Nations children through his work with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF).
































