MacKillop Family Services launches third Reconciliation Action Plan

MacKillop Family Services has taken another significant step in its reconciliation journey with the launch of its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on July 1, reaffirming its commitment to building respectful, collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The new Stretch RAP outlines a long-term strategy for embedding culturally safe and responsive practices across all areas of the organisation

MacKillop Family Services has launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) a Stretch RAP at the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury, Wurundjeri Country. The event marks a significant milestone in MacKillop’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A Stretch RAP is designed for organisations that have already developed and implemented previous Innovate RAPs and are ready to deepen their commitment. It includes longer-term strategies and actions that embed sustainable change across all areas of organisational practice.

MacKillop’s Stretch RAP builds on the foundation of its two previous Innovate RAPs and has been shaped by extensive consultation, including yarning circles and truth-telling sessions with Aboriginal organisations and traditional owners across 30 locations nationally throughout 2024–2025.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, MacKillop employees both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous, service partners, and stakeholders have all contributed to the plan’s development.

Esmai Manahan, National Director of MacKillop’s Nanyubak Unit for First Nations Practice and Partnerships, says, “the Stretch RAP is anchored in key themes: healing, truth-telling, anti-racism, partnerships, cultural connection and language revival, and education. We want these themes to guide MacKillop’s work over the next three years as we continue to embed culturally safe and responsive practices across our services.”

MacKillop CEO Dr Robyn Miller AM said, “This Stretch RAP reflects MacKillop’s deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. It is both a call to action and a roadmap for how we walk alongside communities in truth, respect and shared purpose.

“The steps we have taken under our first two RAPs elevated our understanding of the ongoing impact of colonisation; deepened our relationships with Aboriginal-led organisations; and helped to embed systems that share power and promote local knowledge to enhance service delivery. But there is so much more to be done, and our new Stretch RAP will guide us in working together to support children, young people and families to thrive.”

Esmai Manahan adds: “Through the actions in this RAP, we seek to have a real and meaningful impact on the National Closing the Gap targets.” MacKillop employees from across Australia will join the launch to be part of this important journey towards reconciliation.

MacKillop’s Stretch RAP signals a strengthened commitment to systemic change that supports equity, cultural safety and self-determination. It positions the organisation to play an active and respectful role in reconciliation walking alongside communities to foster healing, build trust and create meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.