On the same day as the AFL and Australia Post today announced it's Community Inclusion Partnership, the Gold Coast SUNS also announced its 2012 Multicultural Schools Program.

The new program will see the Gold Coast SUNS invest $60,000 over 3 years into the program that will continue to develop the already strong relationship with the Multicultural Council Gold Coast.

Gold Coast SUNS Joel Wilkinson and Karmichael Hunt were today announced as Multicultural Ambassador at a launch in Melbourne.

As Multicultural Ambassadors, Wilkinson and Hunt represent some of the many diverse backgrounds in football and will encourage individuals and groups to unite through their love of the game.

Throughout the year, the Multicultural Ambassadors will work with local groups towards uniting individuals and communities across the country.

Joel Wilkinson (Nigerian) will work one day per week with AFL Queensland focusing on the development of a community club cultural development program.

Wilkinson told goldcoastfc.com.au that he was looking forward to the role.

"This is an area I am very passionate about and with the support of the Gold Coast SUNS, the AFL and Australia Post I believe the program will make a huge difference across the country and especially on the Gold Coast."

Karmichael Hunt (Cook Island/Samoan), will support and perform ambassadorial roles across AFL programs as well as continuing his role through the Northern Gold Coast region, which boasts a high Pan Pacific island population, one of the Clubs three areas of social responsibility.

"The role AFL football already plays in helping people acclimatize to life in Australia is extraordinary and this program will add to that over the coming years," Hunt said.

Speaking at the launch today, AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the AFL was proud to partner with Australia Post, an organisation which also values the importance of connecting people and communities, including multicultural communities.

“It is critical our game responds to, and reflects Australia’s changing demographics.

“Australian football has the extraordinary power to bring people together regardless of their background and we respect this position enormously.

“We’re genuinely excited to provide players with the opportunity to become leaders in the community, promoting the benefits of inclusion and diversity. Equally, I’m sure the AFL industry will benefit enormously from the insights and cultural guidance these players will provide,” said Mr Demetriou.

Australia Post Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour said the Multicultural Ambassadors were a valuable part of the partnership, which will help strengthen bonds formed in local communities.

“I’m excited by the opportunities that we have to enrich the lives of individuals and communities right across Australia, by using footy as a vehicle for social inclusion.

“With 140 nationalities and 70 different languages, our people truly reflect the rich diversity of the community we serve.

“This partnership combines the nationwide accessibility of Australia Post’s networks and our passion for diversity with the AFL’s extraordinary capacity to bring people together,” said Mr Fahour.