The Benevolent Society deepens commitment to First Nations self-determination with new RAP

The Benevolent Society (Benevolent) has launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), setting out how it will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination over the next two years.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the RAP builds on more than a decade of reconciliation work and sets out practical actions to strengthen shared decision-making, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, and accountability across Benevolent’s services and partnerships.

“Reconciliation is not symbolic, it requires changing how we work, who holds power and how decisions are made. This RAP commits us to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a way that is grounded in respect, partnership and action,” said Kevin Barrow, CEO at Benevolent.

The RAP aligns with Benevolent’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2026–2030, with both plans guiding how the organisation embeds culturally informed practice, supports self-determination and strengthens relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The plan also places a strong focus on truth-telling, recognising Benevolent’s history and its role in supporting healing and systemic change. 

The RAP outlines practical commitments to strengthen culturally safe practice, increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and governance, and build more accountable partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). 

“Children and families do best when the systems around them recognise culture, community and self-determination as central to wellbeing,” said Melissa Riley, Benevolent’s Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Partnerships.

“This RAP is about changing how we work through stronger partnerships, shared decision-making and measurable accountability.”

The RAP also commits Benevolent to embedding shared governance, increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership at Board and executive level, and strengthening transparency through public reporting. It follows the Board’s recent appointment of Ms Riley to the executive leadership team, a milestone that strengthens Aboriginal leadership at the highest levels of Benevolent. It positions the organisation to use its national footprint to influence policy reform while embedding reconciliation into everyday service delivery.

“Reconciliation requires organisations like ours to examine the role we play within systems, and to be willing to change them. This RAP commits our Board to embedding accountability, shared decision-making and meaningful partnership across the organisation,” said Ken Smith AO, Board Chair at Benevolent. 

David Wenitong, Board Director and Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board Advisory Committee at Benevolent, added: “Reconciliation requires humility, listening and a willingness to learn. Our RAP ensures Benevolent walks that path daily, and by prioritising truth-telling, we are turning our values into measurable actions. I look forward to walking alongside Benevolent in our commitment to deep, lasting change and genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”