MacKillop Family Services has launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
MacKillop provides foster care, family support, alternative education and disability services in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.
The new RAP has strong themes of prevention and healing and will run until January 2025. It builds on the significant outcomes of MacKillop’s inaugural RAP in 2020.
MacKillop’s chief executive officer Robyn Miller said the launch of the second RAP on Monday was a significant step for MacKillop in the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation.
“We’re excited that this second RAP will help us build on the foundations we’ve laid and bring us further along our journey to reconciliation. We have listened and consulted widely, and we’re committed to acting on what we have heard,” Dr Miller said.
“Informing policy and culture, this second RAP will guide us to continue our development as a culturally safe, and welcoming organisation, where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities will be heard and respected. It will help us achieve one of MacKillop’s key strategic goals, which is to deepen our commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, reconciliation, and cultural safety.”
MacKillop’s Aboriginal service development director Esmai Manahan, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara woman, has worked alongside the Aboriginal community to guide the development of the plan.
“Working together with communities and always listening deeply to their stories is key to developing strong and meaningful relationships. Respect and collaboration enable us to work with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to deliver culturally safe and empowering programs that support Aboriginal families to stay together, and children to thrive in community and culture.”
Details: www.mackillop.org.au/RAP
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Continuing the journey MacKillop launches its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (MacKillop Family Services)
