‘Reconciliation’ is about working together to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Reconciliation is an important journey we can all go on, to reduce division in our communities and find a just and equal society where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage are a proud part of our shared national identity.
Like all journeys, you need a map to get there and Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) are that map. These nationally recognised plans enable organisations like ours to contribute to a reconciled Australia.
A 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.
The three key themes of a Reconciliation Action Plan are:
- Respect
- Relationships
- Opportunities
These themes are considered the core pillars for which organisations assign their RAP actions and deliverables.
Reconciliation Australia provides organisations wanting to advance reconciliation, with a structured framework to suit the stage they are at on their reconciliation journey.
There are four types of RAP frameworks:
- Reflect
- Innovate
- Stretch
- Elevate
Greater Shepparton City Council’s (GSCC) first RAP – Reflect 2019 -20 marked the commencement of GSCC RAP journey. Now we are focusing on an Innovate RAP and in doing so we are eager to meet the following expectations set out by Reconciliation Australia:
- RAP commitments should allow the organisation to be aspirational and innovative in order to help the organisation to gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence and establish the best approach to advancing reconciliation.
- An Innovate RAP should focus on:
- developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation; and
- developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Organisations need to report to Reconciliation Australia by September each year and publicly report on RAP progress to external stakeholders.
Have your say
There are a number of ways you can provide input into our next RAP including:
- Complete our online survey or request a hardcopy via communityadmin@shepparton.vic.gov.au;
- Drop into one of these locations to complete our ‘Have your Say' Reconciliation postcard;
- Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative
- Bangerang Cultural Centre
- Lulla’s Day Care Centre
- Rumbalara Football and Netball Club
- Kaiela Institute
- Local Secondary Schools, libraries, neighbourhood houses
- Ganbina
- CVGT
- Greater Shepparton City Council Reception
- Request a meeting (individually or on behalf of your organisation) with our Aboriginal Strategic Officer by emailing communityadmin@shepparton.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5832 9700.
