Child Australia is proud to share our new Reconciliation Action Plan. This plan is a commitment to embedding reconciliation into the fabric of our organisation and working towards a more just and equitable Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation is about building relationships, respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. It is about working together to create a future where all Australians can thrive. Within our organisation the opportunity to commit to raising cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through promoting diversity and inclusion is embraced at every level.
“At Child Australia, we are deeply devoted to fostering authentic relationships, nurturing profound respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and empowering children, families, communities, and our dedicated staff. We firmly believe that Reconciliation represents a transformative journey of healing and understanding, and it is our mission to educate all children about the diverse tapestry of these cultures and their remarkable history. Central to our organisation’s core values is the unwavering commitment to nurturing and guiding children in respecting the traditional owners of the land” said CEO Tina Holtom.
Child Australia’s vision for reconciliation is of a society that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this nation. We aim to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in all our programs throughout WA and the NT. In the context of our organisation this represents a connected community rich in culturally safe and inclusive environments for all stakeholders, equal care and education opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, children and communities accessing our programs.
Child Australia’s RAP champion Connie Borg said “Child Australia has chosen to begin with a Reflect RAP as we recognise the broad role we play in the lives of young children, families, and employees and their understanding of and contribution to reconciliation. In developing a Reflect RAP, Child Australia wishes to formalise our commitments to reconciliation, improved education, and connectedness to the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and improved outcomes for all children.“
Casey Girdlestone, Practice Improvement Manager said that “As an Aboriginal employee it gives me great comfort to know that Child Australia puts reconciliation at the forefront of its practices. This will help us to bridge the gap between our communities and path a strong and united way forward.”
Our RAP sets out a number of actions that we will take to achieve our reconciliation goals. These actions include:
- Increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our workforce
- Further developing culturally safe programs and services
- Advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Building on our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Child Australia’s Reflect RAP will provide us with a shared vision of reconciliation and enabling accountability as we work toward embedding the five dimensions of reconciliation into our organisation: unity, race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, and historical acceptance.
To read to full document, click here.
