On Tuesday 27 May the Department of Communities (Communities) launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (or RAP).
Reflect RAP is the first stage of Communities’ RAP journey and helps prepare the Department to engage in reconciliation meaningfully.
Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week, the launch event included an introduction by Communities’ Acting Assistant Director General Aboriginal Outcomes, Margaret Collard, who described the launch of the RAP as a historic moment in time for Communities.
Reconciliation WA CEO, Jody Nunn led a panel discussion on leading for reconciliation with special guests Communities’ Director General Mike Rowe, Reconciliation WA Aboriginal Co-Chair Nolan Hunter, Reconciliation WA Non-Aboriginal Co-Chair Debra Zanella, and Communities Executive Director Aboriginal Outcomes Glen Caton.
"The Department of Communities is deeply committed to supporting cultural reform to improve whole of life outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities across WA," Mike Rowe said.
"As we partner across government and the community services sector to support diverse communities throughout WA, I believe we can all play an important role in advancing reconciliation," he added.
Reflect RAP signals the Department’s strong intent to continue our reconciliation journey, walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples focussing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and empowerment.
It shows that Communities want to be part of the national dialogue and discussion around reconciliation, reflecting on our shared history, with lessons from these conversations helping to shape our future directions under the four Priority Reforms within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The launch of the RAP follows the release of our Aboriginal Cultural Framework and Implementation Plan last year, and is another important milestone towards new ways of working at Communities as we strengthen the cultural competency and capability of our staff, systems and policies across the agency.
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