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Child Australia shares Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan during Reconciliation Week
Freya Lucas
Jun 12, 2023
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Child Australia has shared its new Reconciliation Action Plan, formally launched during National Reconciliation Week.
The plan is a commitment to embedding reconciliation into the fabric of Child Australia and to working towards a more just and equitable Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“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,” Child Australia CEO Tina Holtom said.
“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”
Essential to the Reconciliation Action Plan is the vision of a society that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
“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,” the plan notes.
Child Australia’s RAP champion Connie Borg said Child Australia has chosen to begin with a Reflect RAP in recognition of the broad role the organisation plays 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,“ Ms Borg explained.
For Aboriginal Child Australia employee Casey Girdlestone, who is the organisation’s Practice Improvement Manager the presence of the plan is “a great comfort”.
“As an Aboriginal employee it gives me great comfort to know that Child Australia puts reconciliation at the forefront of its practices,” she explained.
This will help us to bridge the gap between our communities and path a strong and united way forward.”
The RAP sets out a number of actions that Child Australia will take to achieve its reconciliation goals. These actions include:
- Increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in its workforce
- Further developing culturally safe programs and services
- Advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Building on partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
To read the full document please see here.
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