Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Reflect RAP assisted in taking an in-depth look at our human resources procedures and processes, which informed our desire to examine our ways of working that promote equal and equitable opportunity and support First Nations colleagues, members, organisations, and stakeholders. While some procedures and processes were inclusive of First Nations peoples, we identified we can do more to build recruitment and pathways for First Nations people across the organisation.

We identified building our knowledge of First Nations history and culture generally, and more specifically with the Victorian First Nations communities, to achieve better relationships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted new ways of engaging with First Nations stakeholders to maintain existing relationships.

Our Reflect RAP supported dedicated work to not only complete the goals set out in our Reflect RAP but also to consciously and publicly support First Nations peoples and organisations in furthering the rights of First Nations families and children.

“Being the leading peak organisation for child and family services in Victoria it was imperative to capture the Centre’s solidarity with First Nation’s peoples and their commitment to contribute to reconciliation.

Embarking on a journey of reconciliation means acknowledging the past and actively working towards a more inclusive and better future. I’ve used footprints throughout the artwork to acknowledge Elders past and present. Our Elders are our knowledge holders and play such a vital role in our communities, it was important they were included. The Kulin Nations are at the centre of the artwork to represent the lands on which the organisation is located. Using traditional names promotes truth-telling and acknowledging our history. The gathering circles in the North, South, East and West depict the many communities with the ‘U’ symbol representing the people. Voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, communities and organisations are crucial to reconciliation. This was captured by using waves behind the community to represent those many voices and experiences. Thus, highlighting the responsibility to actively listen and amplify those voices.

The positioning of the hands was important to depict an act of collaboration and support. An example of this is through fostering relationships with First Nations peoples working in and with the child and family sector. The values of the organisation were added to the gum leaves, as they are essential to supporting the vision, purpose and strategy of the reconciliation action plan.”

Nakia Cadd, Artist and Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Bunitj, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung woman.