Good Beginnings Australia Reconciliation Action Plan
A good beginning for
every child in Australia.
Our Mission:
Good Beginnings builds better outcomes for
children in vulnerable communities through
effective early intervention programs.
Cover Artwork by Monica Taylor
Originally from Geraldton in WA, Monica has lived in the Northern
Territory for the past 26 years. Monica has been involved with Gray
Primary School in various ways for the past 22 years. She has six children,
all of whom attended Gray Primary School from pre-school through
to year 7, and she has also had three grand-children attend the school.
Monica first commenced working as a tutor at Gray Primary School in
2000 through to 2009 and then started working for Good Beginnings as
a Family Support Worker, until 2012. Monica then went back working at
Gray Primary School as an Aboriginal and Islander Education Worker.
Good Beginnings is based on the Gray Primary School grounds in Palmerston
and continues to have a close working relationship with Monica.
Description of the artwork: The inner circle of the painting represents
Good Beginnings, the outer circles being families, and the footprints
represent the paths families take to reach Good Beginnings.
Good Beginnings Contact Details:
Office: 02 8570 1900 | Fax: 02 9571 4185
Web: www.goodbeginnings.org.au
© Good Beginnings Australia. This work is copyright. All trademarks enclosed
herein are the property of their respective owners. Requests regarding use of
information enclosed should be addressed to [email protected]
Contents
Message from the CEO
4
Our Journey
6
About Us
7
Vision for Reconciliation
9
Action Plan
10
Cultural Education
16
RAP Champions
17
Acknowledgments18
Frequently asked questions
19
Message from the CEO
Good Beginnings Australia is committed to reconciliation in Australia and I am pleased
to be able to share our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2013/2015 with you. It is
through extensive consultations and planning that our Reconciliation Action Plan has
been developed. During 2013 over 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were
consulted and it was through the commitment of Good Beginnings staff that we were
able to bridge the relationships in order to undertake these significant consultations.
We are proud of their contribution to the Reconciliation Action Plan and proud of their
contribution to the work we do in the communities in which we work. They are the
key to the relationships that Good Beginnings builds in their communities.
Good Beginnings Australia is a national children’s charity offering unique
community-developed early intervention programs for children and
families in Australia. We work in partnership with many Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and appreciate the cultural diversity of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
A Reconciliation Action Plan is a commitment to advocate for equality.
It is through the understanding and respect of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander culture and history that we can take steps to unite and
bring about equality. Good Beginnings is committed to building
respectful and collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people. This Reconciliation Action Plan will help Good
Beginnings build better outcomes and relationships in the communities
in which we work and enable us to work towards a good beginning for
all Australian children.
I would like to thank all of our RAP Champions for their efforts to
bringing this plan to life. This is a commitment we make with full belief
that this will assist in Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders across all States and Territories in Australia.
I look forward to sharing our results over the next 24 months whilst
building on our public commitment especially to learn from the
Reconciliation Action Plan outcomes and enhance the relationships that
create equality for all Australian children.
Jayne Meyer Tucker
Chief Executive Officer
4
‘‘
If you develop
respect and relationships,
opportunity will come
‘‘
(West Ryde, NSW)
5
Our Journey
Reconciliation Action Plan for the Years 2013-2015
At its foundation, Good Beginnings Australia
is committed to fostering respectful
relationships with children, families, and
communities throughout Australia, including
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
and communities. As Good Beginnings
embarks upon its reconciliation journey,
Good Beginnings is dedicated to creating
strong, respectful and collaborative relationships
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples. The relationships Good Beginnings
seeks are characterized by open dialogue,
mutual respect and ongoing partnerships.
Whilst approximately 20% of programs
supported by Good Beginnings are specific
to the need of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders, and over 13% of Good Beginnings
staff are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Good Beginnings still has work to do.
Through improved engagement, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples will
increasingly be made central to the design
and delivery of Good Beginnings services
and programs. The Good Beginnings
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2013-2015
works to support this process by incorporating
strategies to build the organisation’s capacity
to engage more effectively with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children, families and
communities. The RAP seeks to build the
capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander leaders at both the personal and
community level. Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander leadership and ownership will
provide strong foundations for lasting change
and will ultimately produce better outcomes
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children and families.
6
Good Beginnings recognises the strong
historical influences that have shaped current
generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples. Good Beginnings also
understands the critical role that a personal
connection to culture, as well as cultural pride,
plays in shaping individual and community
aspirations, choices and self-esteem. To this
aim Good Beginnings is working to fortify the
cultural awareness and competence of all
staff.
Through Good Beginnings Australia’s work
with families and communities, the organisation
believes it holds its own place in Closing the
Gap by supporting positive social, educational
and health outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children and their
families. RAP initiatives to strengthen
relationships and build respect for culture will
ultimately increase family and community
capacity to nurture young children. These
initiatives are key to achieving better
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children and achieving reconciliation
between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples and the broader population. The
Good Beginnings RAP will continue to navigate
the reconciliation journey for the organisation.
The document is strengthened by the
support of key stakeholders, including Good
Beginnings Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff and leaders, Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander community members,
and the Good Beginnings Board, management
and staff. Good Beginnings is committed to
long-term reconciliation and we pledge to
review our progress with the RAP annually.
About Us
Good Beginnings Australia is a national
children’s charity building better outcomes
for children and their families in vulnerable
communities through effective early
intervention and practical parenting
programs, so that every Australian child has
the opportunity for a good beginning in life.
Good Beginnings programs are free to
children and families, with support ranging
from supported playgroups and literacy
programs to fathering initiatives, at-home
volunteer visiting for new parents, and
intensive family support.
Good Beginnings now have over 160 programs across
every state and territory in Australia, based at Good
Beginnings Child & Family Centres or at partner primary
school sites. The total number of employees is currently 135,
17 of those are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders.
Connect
Connect is the core and foundation of the work of Good
Beginnings. Connect underpins all Good Beginnings
programs. It aligns the principles of three models:
Community Development, Collective Impact and
Outcomes. Its intent is to genuinely engage and partner
with the community. Connect is a commitment to
building the capacity of the communities in which
Good Beginnings works through developing leaders,
services and the capacity of community members.
Our Values
• Child-focused
We work to achieve what is in the best interest of the child.
We believe that a well supported family is best placed to
respond appropriately to a child’s needs.
• Inclusiveness and collaboration
We work in partnership with each other, with families and
with other agencies. We are committed to sharing knowledge,
expertise and resources to build trust and respect.
• Strengths-based
We respect the unique capacities, individuality and
diversity of all those with whom we interact. We value
and build on each person’s strengths and encourage
their independence.
• Evidence-based practice
We focus on prevention and early intervention activities as
the most effective way of supporting children and families.
We continuously draw on evaluations, practice wisdom
and new evidence to improve our practice.
• Local ownership
We acknowledge that every community benefits from
identifying its own needs and creating its own solutions.
We therefore encourage decision making by communities
in the shaping of their local Good Beginnings programs.
• Learning through innovation
We provide opportunities for reflection, learning and
development in a safe and inspiring work environment.
We nurture innovation, creativity and flexibility.
7
‘‘
Our culture will live on
through our children
‘‘
(Katherine, NT)
8
Vision for Reconciliation
By recognising the diversity, strengths and journey of all
Australians, Good Beginnings will establish and maintain
ongoing and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples to be able to come together
and ensure a good beginning for Australia’s children
Development of the Good Beginnings RAP
Long Term Outcomes
In early 2012 Good Beginnings convened with
Reconciliation Australia to assist the organisation in the
development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.
In June 2012, a Statement of Commitment, a key factor
in the development process, was endorsed by the
Good Beginnings Board.
• All Good Beginnings programs are accessible to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow
up socially, emotionally and cognitively well.
Reconciliation Action Plan champions were identified
in every state and territory to lead the process in
local communities. Good Beginnings enlisted 19
champions, including 4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders. In February 2013, the champions collaborated
in a workshop to design and prepare for the
consultation process that would accompany the
Reconciliation Action Plan. Champions were supported
by a Reconciliation Action Plan project team including
3 managers and 3 skilled volunteers sourced from the
Sydney office. The Good Beginnings ‘Connect’ approach
was used by all Reconciliation Action Plan champions
when facilitating local consultations in communities.
Over 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were
consulted across the country. Feedback was collected
in a standardised manner and collated under 3 key
areas; Respect, Relationships and Opportunities
(reflecting the Reconciliation Australia template).
The format of the Reconciliation Action Plan was
endorsed by the Good Beginnings Board.
• Good Beginnings will build strong working
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples and communities.
• Good Beginnings will show respect for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islanders and their traditions and cultures.
• Good Beginnings will increase the participation of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within
the organisation.
2013/15 Objectives
2013/15 Impact Indicators
• Increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander families accessing Good Beginnings services
from 25% to 28% of all families
• 20% increase in the number of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers
• 80% of program staff report increased knowledge
and skills in engaging with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander families
• 50% increase in number of partnerships with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
9
Action Plan
10
Objectives
Strategies
Activities/Targets
Responsibility
Time frames
Relationships
A partnerships approach is fundamental to the way Good Beginnings Australia work with all families.
Good Beginnings acknowledge that strong, respectful relationships are at the heart of positive and
sustainable change. Good Beginnings understand the value of these relationships to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and will work together with Aboriginal peoples to build strong
relationships characterised by mutual trust and respect.
1. Good Beginnings
will build strong
working relationships
with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
peoples and
organisations.
• Formation of a Reconciliation
1.1 Develop a National
Reconciliation Action Plan
Action Plan project team that
project team with
meets 4 times per year
representatives from
• This team will provide progress
various Good Beginnings
reports against indicators in
sites and Aboriginal and
August each year.
Torres Strait Islander staff
to continually liaise with
Reconciliation Australia
and support and monitor
the implementation of the
Reconciliation Action Plan.
Chief Operating Officer January 2014
August 2014, 2015
• Good Beginnings sites will
1.2 Get to know the
Site Coordinators
Traditional Owners and
develop plans to build and
Elders living in the
maintain engagement with the
communities in which
local Traditional Owners and
Good Beginnings works to Elders and reviewed annually.
earn approval and respect. • Sites will provide Indicators
in plans to assist in monitoring
engagement processes.
• Good Beginnings to organise
at least one meeting with
Traditional Owners and Elders
where Good Beginnings
operates.
August 2014
1.3 Celebrate National
Reconciliation Week
to build relationships
between Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Staff
and all other staff.
27 May – 3 June
2014, 2015
• Organise one internal event
each year.
Chief Operating Officer
August 2015
Action Plan
Objectives
Strategies
Activities/Targets
Responsibility
Time frames
Respect
Good Beginnings respects the individuality, diversity and cultures of all those with whom we interact and
acknowledge the deep significance of respect in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Strong
relationships and genuine respect lie at the heart of all Good Beginnings work with families and are key
to achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Respect will be shown
and strengthened through listening, sharing, working with and walking beside Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples in a culturally affirming way. We acknowledge the impact of the stolen generation
on families we work with and strive to work with care and sensitivity to this history.
2. Good Beginnings
will show respect
for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
peoples, their
traditions and
cultures.
• Good Beginnings staff will
2.1 Show respect for
Chief Operating Officer
Aboriginal and Torres
attend, celebrate and promote
Islander peoples, their
days of cultural significance
traditions and cultures
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
by engaging in a range
Islander peoples including
of celebrations that are
NAIDOC and report annually.
culturally significant to
• Every Good Beginnings site will
Aboriginal and Torres Strait promote days of significance
Islander peoples.
within their site through
displaying posters and
culturally appropriate
resources and report annually.
• A minimum of one celebration
to be attended by each staff
member per year.
1st – 2nd Sunday
July 2014, 2015
August 2014, 2015
August 2014, 2015
• Significant Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
celebrations will be promoted
and acknowledged by Good
Beginnings through the Good
Beginnings’ website, social
media and intranet (GURU).
Chief Operating Officer January 2014
• Good Beginnings will use
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander terminology
rather than Indigenous
(where appropriate).
Chief Operating Officer
January 2014
2.2 Engage employees in
Chief Operating Officer August 2015
• Develop, implement and
communicate a cultural
cultural learning to
awareness training strategy
increase understanding
for Good Beginnings to reflect
and appreciation of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait local knowledge that will come
from reputable sources and
Islander cultures in order
to lay the foundations for
will include all staff and senior
leadership.
Good Beginnings.
11
Action Plan
Objectives
Strategies
Respect
Good Beginnings respects the individuality, diversity and cultures of all those with whom we interact and
acknowledge the deep significance of respect in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Strong
relationships and genuine respect lie at the heart of all Good Beginnings work with families and are key
to achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Respect will be shown
and strengthened through listening, sharing, working with and walking beside Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples in a culturally affirming way. We acknowledge the impact of the stolen generation
on families we work with and strive to work with care and sensitivity to this history.
2. Good Beginnings
will show respect
for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
peoples, their
traditions and
cultures.
• Develop and implement a
2.3 Good Beginnings will
Chief operating Officer
ensure the tradition of
protocol document for
and Site Coordinators
“Welcome to Country”
“Welcome to Country” and
and “Acknowledgement
“Acknowledgement of Country”
of Country” protocols
ceremonies for Good Beginnings .
are developed to be
• Train relevant staff on
delivered as routine
Acknowledgement of Country
practice and ensure there
processes after consultation
is a shared meaning
with Aboriginal Land Councils.
behind the ceremonies for • Develop a network of local
all employees to underAboriginal and Torres Strait
stand.
Islander individuals who are
able to conduct “Welcome to
Country” at Good Beginnings
events for each Site/State
Office.
2.4 Engage Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
peoples when planning
and developing services
so that they are culturally
appropriate and suits
the needs of local
communities.
Activities/Targets
Responsibility
Time frames
January 2014
August 2014
August 2014
• Provide opportunities, time
Chief Operating Officer August 2014
and resources for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
peoples to be involved at
different stages of program
development; i.e. when
designing, delivering and
evaluating Good Beginnings
programs and services.
Review annually.
• Ensure Good Beginnings staff
August 2014
members are familiar with
relevant federal and state
legislation and policy documents
through links on Good
Beginnings Intranet (GURU).
2.5 Embrace and respect
• Display the Good Beginnings
Chief Operating Officer August 2014
Reconciliation Vision Statement
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
at all office locations.
Islander cultures to create
• Good Beginnings will use its
a culturally safe and
August 2014
authorised space to promote
friendly environment in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
all Good Beginnings sites.
Islander cultures and related
materials; e.g. cultural posters,
regional specific artwork,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australia maps, flags,
paintings, displays and report
annually.
12
Action Plan
Objectives
Strategies
Activities/Targets
Responsibility
Time frames
Opportunities
Through the work of Connect and associated initiatives, Good Beginnings aims to build sustainable and
long term community capacity to support families and young children. Increasing opportunities for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in terms of employment, education, leadership and access to
culturally appropriate support is key to enabling this process. A number of Good Beginnings programs
collaborate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples though community led program
planning and development, mentoring and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Good Beginning is committed to building on this foundation and embedding actions more broadly to
promote increased opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Good Beginnings
programs nationally.
3. Good Beginnings
will increase the
inclusion of
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander
peoples working
within and
engaging with the
organisation.
• Redesign job descriptions and
3.1 Review design of
recruitment and
interview process to be more
employment strategies to
inviting to potential Aboriginal
better attract and retain
and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Aboriginal and Torres
• Advertise all relevant job
Strait Islander staff.
advertisements in Aboriginal
This includes building
and Torres Strait Islander
strong relationships with
media, e.g. Koori Mail, National
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Indigenous Times and report
Islander organisations
annually.
to increase employment
• Create positions that will
opportunities.
ensure an Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander client has initial
contact with Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Develop and implement an
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employment strategy
to promote long-term.
employment and promotional
opportunities for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
individuals in workforce planning.
Human Resources
Officer
August 2014
Human Resources
Officer
August 2014
Human Resources
Officer
August 2014
Human Resources
Officer
August 2015
3.2 Recruit an Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
person within an
identified position at
Board level.
Chief Operating Officer August 2014
• An appropriately qualified
Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander person to be identified
and recruited to the Board.
3.3 Expand the range of
support and referral
services Good Beginnings
offers to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
clients.
Site Coordinators
• Develop partnerships with
local organisations to maximize
access to culturally appropriate
and relevant information and
resources. Document the
number of new partnerships.
3.4 Investigate opportunities
to increase the use of
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander businesses
and services at Good
Beginnings.
• Good Beginnings will engage
with at least 2 Aboriginal
or Torres Strait Islander
organisations.
August 2015
Chief Operating Officer August 2014
13
Action Plan
Objectives
Strategies
Activities/Targets
Responsibility
Time frames
4.1 Report achievements
and learnings to
Reconciliation Australia
for inclusion in the RAP
Impact Measurement
Report.
• Complete the RAP Impact
Measurement Questionnaire
annually and submit to
Reconciliation Australia.
Chief Operating Officer August 2014, 2015
4.2 Refresh
Good Beginnings’ RAP.
• Refresh and launch a new RAP
strategy.
Chief Operating Officer December 2015
Tracking Progress
and Reporting
‘‘
We are two groups who are
working side by side in a strong
partnership to progress
the process of reconciliation
‘‘
Aunty Jenny Wyles
Recognised Elder Townsville area and a member of the
Midtha Goothalins Women’s Network
14
‘‘
‘‘
Reconciliation is working
hand-in-hand, working as one,
and living in harmony
(Katherine, NT)
15
Cultural Education
As part of our RAP, Good Beginnings plan to engage employees in cultural learning to increase
understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to develop,
implement and communicate a cultural awareness training strategy for the organisation.
Many of our staff have completed cultural awareness training in various forms in their local area.
One such training was a two day Aboriginal cultural awareness training program through Eora
College (TAFE NSW).
Eora College provides some of the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural training in Australia.
They specialise in training staff and management how to negotiate cross-cultural environments, offering
field trips and classroom formats. Their staff have vast experience in developing and delivering
Aboriginal cultural education programs and consulting services for all businesses, from sole traders to
large corporations.
The course was competency based and staff were assessed on their ability to show a general
understanding and acquired knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, along with an
understanding of language and dance. The course was diverse and the topics covered included
Aboriginal history, the traditional and contemporary aspects of identifying as an Aboriginal,
how to speak Dhangatti language, bush tucker and dance.
Staff who attended the training reported development in awareness of cultural identity and found the
training served as a starting point for reflection and discussion on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
culture, history and protocols. The training also reinforced attitudes of tolerance and understanding
towards differences. Participants left the training feeling better informed about issues in relation to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and were able to use the information learned to benefit
relationships in their day to day lives.
‘‘
‘‘
This should NOT be a token
policy, but a working, living
and evolving document
(Taree, NSW)
16
RAP Champions
Bairnsdale (VIC)
Jenny Ferraro (Family Support Worker)
Brighton (TAS)
Simone Johns (Site Coordinator)
Doveton (VIC)
Daniel Leach-McGill (Manager, Policy and Practice Integration)
Doveton (VIC)
Mitra Mottahedin (Early Childhood Worker)
Elizabeth (SA)
Melissa Sayer (Children’s Centre Coordinator)
Hakea (WA)
Heidi Holmen (Site Coordinator)
Hobart (TAS)
Donna Evans (State Manager, Tasmania)
Inner West Sydney (NSW)
Natalie Anson (Family Support Worker)
Katherine (NT)
Geraldine Toby (Family Support Worker) **
Latrobe (VIC)
Michelle Stewart (Site Coordinator)
Macarthur (NSW)
Jesse Garcia (Site Coordinator)
National Office
Laura Bachman (State Manager, NT Palmerston/SA)*
National Office
Monique Perusco (State Manager, NSW/ACT/QLD)*
National Office
Marguerite Schwager (Manager, Policy and Practice Integration*
National Office
Heather Smith (Chief Operating Officer)
Northern Sydney (NSW)
Anne-Marie Maxwell (Site Coordinator)
Palmerston (NT)
Joanne Forrest (Site Coordinator) **
Taree (NSW)
Graeme Bales (Site Coordinator) **
Townsville (QLD)
Jackie Bennett (Site Coordinator) **
* Reconciliation Action Plan project team
** Advisors on culture and protocol
17
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge and thank everyone
who participated in the consultations locally, your
contributions have been so important in leading us to a
meaningful and purposeful plan.
Thank you to all of the families who participated in the photo shoots
and for sharing the photos that appear in our RAP.
A special thank you also to our RAP Champions, who have been instrumental
in leading their local teams and engaging in this process. We look forward
to your continued energy as we undertake our commitments.
We are grateful also to our three amazing volunteers, Liza Schaeper,
Amy Reggers and Kellie Jones, who were there from the beginnings of our
RAP journey and we thank them for their time and effort.
We would like to also acknowledge the following organisations
and people for their contribution to our RAP:
Cancer Council NSW
Monica Taylor – Artist
Reconciliation Australia
Rick Benson Photography
University of Technology, Sydney
Jodie Martin Savage – Photographer Townsville
Gary and Carol Crees
18
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation Australia describes reconciliation as being about
building better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community
for the benefit of all Australians.
In order to improve relationships between Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander and other Australians we need more
people talking about the issues and coming up with
innovative ways to create positive change.
Good Beginnings Australia is committed to reconciliation and
dedicated to fostering strong, respectful and collaborative
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What is a RAP?
Through the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program,
organisations develop business plans that document what
they will do within their sphere of influence to contribute to
reconciliation in Australia.
These RAPs outlines practical actions the organisation will take
to build strong relationships and enhanced respect between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other
Australians. A RAP also sets out the organisation’s aspirational
plans to drive greater equality by pursuing sustainable
opportunities.
Put simply, the RAP Program is about working with
organisations across Australia to turn their good intentions
into real actions.
The Good Beginnings Australia RAP was developed following
extensive consultations with over 140 Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and covers activities that we know can
enhance relationships and make a respectful contribution to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
What are the benefits of a RAP?
There are many benefits that Good Beginnings Australia gains
by developing a RAP:
• It’s a plan that will continue to help Good Beginnings
Australia build positive relationships between Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
• It will help strengthen Good Beginnings Australia’s
commitment to Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples.
• It will encourage our employees to learn more about
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.
• Being a RAP organisation creates opportunities.
• RAP organisations make a difference and are changing
Australia for the better.
What is a RAP Champion?
A RAP champion guides and promotes the RAP process
locally and drives action and support for the RAP at their local
site. Their key role is to promote and encourage
participation in our RAP.
Good Beginnings have a RAP champion at our sites across
each State and Territory in Australia.
Where do I go for more information?
Visit Good Beginnings Australia’s website for further information
or contact Monique Perusco (State Manager NSW/ACT/QLD).
E. [email protected]
P. (02) 8570 1900
W. www.goodbeginnings.org.au
Who is Reconciliation Australia?
Reconciliation Australia is the national organisation promoting
reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples and the broader Australian community.
Their vision is for an Australia that recognises and respects the
special place, culture, rights and contribution of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and where good
relationships between First Australians and other Australians
become the foundation for local strength and success;
and the enhancement of our national wellbeing.
Their programs are about building sustainable frameworks for
lasting change in Australia.
19
www.goodbeginnings.org.au
Office: 02 8570 1900 | Fax: 02 9571 4185 | ABN: 68 090 673 528
Mailing: PO Box K969 Haymarket NSW 1240
Street: Suite 3.02, Level 3, Building B, 33-35 Saunders Street Pyrmont NSW 2009
20