NCPHN is excited to announce that we are developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The first meeting of our staff and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members from across the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast regions was held in Grafton during February.
Reconciliation Australia’s Action Plan program provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement. When the NCPHN RAP is complete it will be endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and the NCPHN Board.
What is a RAP?
A Reconciliation Action Plan:
- Supports an organisation to contribute to reconciliation both internally and within the communities in which it operates.
- Provides a guide for organisations to support the national Reconciliation Movement.
- Provides practical actions to contribute to reconciliation.
- Supports organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Is endorsed and answerable to Reconciliation Australia.
At the first NCPHN Reconciliation Action Plan meeting, it was decided that RAP Work Group members would meet regularly face-to-face for four-hour workshops in Grafton (halfway point for the region) to develop the RAP.
It will then be sent to Reconciliation Australia for feedback. There will also be an annual review to monitor and demonstrate NCPHN’s commitment to reconciliation.
NCPHN’s Acting Chief Executive Ms Sharyn White said that RAPS were having a positive impact across Australia in various ways.
“Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Impact Measurement Report shows that people in RAP organisations have much higher levels of trust between each other (71 per cent compared to 13 per cent); are far less prejudiced (9 per cent compared to 70 per cent); and have greater pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (77 per cent compared to 51 per cent).
“These are all great achievements internally for organisations. But not only are RAPs changing workplace culture and attitudes, but they are laying the foundation for significant economic and social outcomes for our Aboriginal communities,” she said.
There is still a position open for a community member from the Mid North Coast to help develop the Reconciliation Action Plan. Interested parties can contact Kim Gussy at: [email protected]
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
