Reconciliation Action Plan

A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic document that supports an organisation’s business plan. It includes practical actions that will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which it operates.

The RAP Program contributes to advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation by supporting organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Each of the four RAP types (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate) set out the minimum elements required from your organisation to build strong relationships, respect and opportunities within your organisation and community.

RAPs are making a difference across Australia in workplaces, universities, schools, government and community organisations.

The RAP framework enables organisations to contribute to reconciliation by:

• Building and encouraging relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community;
• Fostering and embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving cultures and communities; and
• Develop opportunities within your organisation or services to improve socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence, and racism. Over the last half-century, however, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

Our vision of reconciliation is based and measured on five dimensions:

• Historical acceptance;
• Race relations;
• Equality and equity;
• Institutional integrity; and
• Unity.

These five dimensions do not exist in isolation, but are interrelated. Reconciliation cannot be seen as a single issue or agenda; the contemporary definition of reconciliation must weave all of these threads together. For example, greater historical acceptance of the wrongs done to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can lead to improved race relations, which in turn leads to greater equality and equity.

The Shire is developing an Innovate RAP. An Innovate RAP outlines actions that work towards achieving our organisation’s unique vision for reconciliation. Commitments within this RAP allow our organisation to be aspirational and innovative in order to help our organisation gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation. An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

By developing a RAP, the Shire is able to:

• Implement a tried and tested framework, that is proven to drive reconciliation through practical actions;
• Turn your organisation’s good intentions into action by formalising your organisation’s commitment to reconciliation;
• Reaffirm institutional integrity by embedding an engaging framework contributing towards good governance practices;
• Join a dynamic, supportive and fast growing network of RAP organisations;
• Gain greater esteem as an employer of choice and build a more dynamic and diverse workforce;
• Enable your staff to develop greater cultural awareness and professional development practices that will strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders;
• Gain access to new markets and better engagement with existing markets; and
• Ensure more effective and relevant service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.