Our commitment to reconciliation
Ruwe Miri, Ngarrindjeri for ‘Soul of Country’
- Keedan Rigney (Ngarrindjeri/Wirangu) 2024
This RAP is inspired by the concept of ‘yesterday, today and tomorrow’ - learning from the past, taking meaningful action now, and helping to shape a better future for all Australians and the environment we share.
Our vision for reconciliation is where the truth of our shared history is fully understood and accepted. We will recognise the past and acknowledge the present as the foundation for building trust, respect, and honouring and healing Country.
We partner with First Peoples, creating opportunities for shared decision-making and supporting the right to self-determination. We learn from the wisdom of the Traditional Owners/Custodians and their knowledge systems, nurturing the land, waterways, and Country. We honour this knowledge by integrating it into our present and future actions.
This RAP is underpinned by listening and learning – helping us to focus on what matters most and guiding how we put our commitments into action.
We hope our Stretch RAP will leave a lasting legacy built on shared understanding, meaningful partnerships and bold action to build a more just and equitable future for all.
We believe that reconciliation is everyone’s business. We invite others in the sector and our community to walk alongside us in this important journey.
With a focus on strong relationships and meaningful partnerships, through our RAP we will:
- Improve our understanding of the experiences and perspectives of First Peoples’ customers and ensure our services meet their needs.
- Strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owner/Custodians and collaborate across the sector to support self-determined priorities
- Develop a framework to protect and promote Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
- Support truth-telling and build our knowledge of the heritage and histories across our service area.
- Provide more opportunities for people to engage in cultural learning and build cultural awareness and capability.
- Improve employment outcomes, with a focus on career pathways and progression.
- Increase procurement from First Peoples’ owned businesses and raise awareness of these opportunities with our suppliers and partners.
We'll track our progress through a strong governance structure involving senior leaders, First Peoples staff, external advisors and key staff. By listening, learning and having open discussion, we’ll meet our commitments, build capacity and stay accountable.
Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (PDF, 14MB).
Story of the artwork
‘Ruwe Miwi’ symbolises the deep connection between water, Country, and community. In Ngarrindjeri culture, water is the life force – without it, neither the land nor its people can thrive. This artwork reflects the evolving relationship between people and the environment, where our connections, like the flow of a river, shape the future.
This piece was commissioned as part of our Stretch RAP. It is a permanent reflection of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
About the artist
Keedan Rigney is a proud Ngarrindjeri/Wirangu visual artist based in Naarm on Wurundjeri Country. He is a contemporary and multidisciplinary First Peoples artist whose work deeply engages with the connections between Country, family and health.