Community Development
Our Impact: Delivering Change for First Nations Communities
At PLANZZ Australia, our foundation has always been about creating real outcomes for First Nations communities. Through sport, housing, and economic empowerment, we’ve delivered projects that built opportunity, pride, and long-term impact.
Empowering Through Sport
We led national efforts to elevate Indigenous football. In 2018, founder Ramone Close co-founded the Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC)—Australia’s first national Indigenous football tournament. Held in Logan and supported by Brisbane Roar and Logan City Council, the event received national coverage and won the 2018 Logan Sports Award for Best Event.
We also launched GOORI Football, delivering mentoring and coaching programs in remote communities like Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Cherbourg, and Mount Isa. Our partnerships with local clubs and councils helped First Nations teams compete at higher levels and gain exposure.
Advancing Housing & Economic Opportunity
We developed the GOORI Lifestyle Housing Program to deliver affordable, culturally safe housing for Indigenous families.
Through our 'Nation-Building' Procurement Model, we ensured that purchasing activity funded essential community programs.
We also established WePlenty, a First Nations procurement marketplace that connected verified Indigenous businesses with government and corporate buyers, driving economic growth and self-determination.
At PLANZZ, we’ve proven that when opportunity meets action, communities thrive. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made—and we’re just getting started.
GOORI Football - Regional Skills Development Program
A standout success story from GOORI Football is Kyren Walters, Tyrell Paulson, Lachlan Wright, Piari Anderson and Legion Walker, talented young players from regional areas in Australia who progressed to play at the highest levels in school football and club football. Beyond individual achievements, GOORI Football has fostered cultural pride, social resilience, and stronger community connections, addressing the unique challenges faced by remote Indigenous communities.
In partnership with PCYC Queensland, GOORI Football delivered programs to remote communities, including Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, and Cherbourg. These programs nurtured local talent and culminated in a futsal tournament in Hervey Bay, creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage in sport and showcase their abilities.
The initiative has gained national recognition, with its impact featured on Fox Sports and contributing to marketing Australia’s successful bid to host the Women’s World Cup through its program content. By celebrating Indigenous culture and developing young talent, GOORI Football is paving the way for a brighter future for players and their communities.
The video below is of Ramone Close in 2017 yarning with Football Brisbane about the journey of Brisbane Warrigals from it's establishment in 2016 along with attending the first ever National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra, NSW in 2016.
Australian Indigenous Football Championships 2018
A Landmark in First Nations Sport and Cultural Empowerment
In 2018, Ramone Close—Founder of Planzz Australia—co-founded the Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC) alongside Lawrence Gilbert, marking a historic first in Australian football. Held at Logan Sports Complex in Queensland, the AIFC was the nation’s first-ever national Indigenous football tournament, uniting teams from across Australia in a powerful display of talent, culture, and community pride.
With the strong support of Brisbane Roar FC and Logan City Council, the tournament provided a professional platform for First Nations players and coaches, elevating Indigenous representation in sport. National broadcasters SBS and NITV amplified the event’s reach, shining a spotlight on the depth of First Nations talent across the country.
The AIFC’s legacy extended beyond the pitch—an Australian Indigenous Representative Team was selected from the tournament, offering elite players new opportunities and exposure. The event was recognised with the 2018 Logan Sports Award for Best Event, affirming its impact on sport and cultural celebration.
More than a tournament, the AIFC 2018 became a symbol of progress—laying the foundation for Indigenous football development, empowering communities, and reinforcing the vital role of sport in preserving and promoting cultural identity.
At Planzz Australia, this legacy continues to inform our mission: creating platforms that connect opportunity, representation, and self-determination for First Nations communities across every sector.
The video below was put together by Logan City Council in 2018.
Australian Indigenous Football Championships 2019
The Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC), 2018 was held at Caboolture Sports Complex and was a national tournament celebrating First Nations talent and culture in football. The event attracted 12 men’s and 12 women’s Indigenous teams from across Australia and was supported by major organisations such as Brisbane Roar, Football Queensland, and local councils. It earned the prestigious Logan Sports Award for Best Event, reflecting its impact on the community. Over its four-year run, the AIFC became a significant platform for Indigenous athletes, showcasing exceptional talent and fostering cultural pride before being rebranded as the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships.
The video below was put together by Football Queensland in support of the Australian Indigenous Football Championships in 2019.
Brisbane Warrigals - Community Football Club and Program
Established in 2016, Brisbane Warrigals is a proud community football club that provides Indigenous players with a platform to showcase their talent while building pathways in education, careers, and sport. Rooted in culture and community, the club has a strong commitment to developing both its players and its governance, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.
Brisbane Warrigals actively participates in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships, offering players opportunities to excel on the field and beyond. While the team is primarily focused on supporting Indigenous athletes, two non-First Nations players are also welcomed, reflecting a spirit of inclusion and mutual respect.
Through its dedication to fostering talent and leadership, Brisbane Warrigals is more than a football club— it’s a vehicle for positive change and growth in the lives of its players and their communities.
This community project is supported by We Plan Together.
The video below is of Ramone Close in 2017 yarning with Football Brisbane about the journey of Brisbane Warrigals from it's establishment in 2016 along with attending the first ever National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra, NSW in 2016.
Jiinda Magic - Community Football Club
Proud Gumbaynggirr Women - Kirrilly Phillips establishment Jiinda Magic in 2018, which has been a beacon of opportunity for Indigenous women young and old, empowering them to pursue school, career, and sporting pathways. With a focus on cultural pride and excellence, Jiinda Magic plays a key role in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships, creating opportunities for players to excel in a competitive environment while connecting with their heritage.
The club has grown significantly, strengthening its governance and building a supportive community around its players.
Jiinda Magic is more than a football team—it’s a nurturing community that supports players on and off the field, helping them realise. their full potential in life and sport.
This community project is supported by We Plan Together.
The video below is of Ramone Close in 2022 with Jiinda Magic who entered a Mens team in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships that year.
GOORI Lifestyle - Sporting House Skills Development Program
A notable success story is Legion Walker, a young player from Mornington Island who progressed to play for Southport School, compete in club football on the Gold Coast, and even participate in a football trip to Germany. Beyond sport, the initiative fostered cultural pride, social resilience, and community connection, addressing challenges faced by remote Indigenous communities. It has also gained national recognition, with its impact featured on Fox Sports and contributing to marketing Australia’s successful Women’s World Cup hosting bid through our program content. By celebrating Indigenous culture and nurturing talent, GOORI Football is helping build a brighter future for young players and their communities.
This photo was taken in 2018 at Clontarf State School, QLD with GOORI LIfestyle Athlete Tyrell Paulson, Craig Foster (SBS), John Auld (Furnx & GOORI Co-Founder), Ramone Close (GOORI Co-Founder), Legion Walker (Mornington Island).
