On 3rd of March 2015, WSCF launched its Innovation Reconciliation Action Plan 2015 to 2017. The development of the RAP was championed internally by WSCF’s former Executive Officer, Mary Waterford, and supported by our RAP Working Party. Consultations with the development of the RAP took place with Graham Davis King, Baabayn Women Elders, and Steven Ross (Aboriginal Development Officer, Parramatta Council).
We are now half way through the process of implementing the RAP and are regularly reporting on progress to date. Some highlights include:
- Ongoing support for Aboriginal organisations including Baabayn Women Elders and Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre and Koori interagencies as requested
- Publication and launch of ‘We are One’ “Milanda ngiyani waan.gigilanha” – A reflective practice guide for working with Aboriginal staff
- Provision of a list of Greater Western Sydney Aboriginal Organisations on our website
- Participation at annual NAIDOC Week events
- Organisation of a TED Talk and lunch discussion as part of National Reconciliation Week in 2016
- Development and implementation of relevant policies such as a Protocol Policy for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
- Purchase and display of local Aboriginal Artworks and procurement of Aboriginal goods and services, e.g., Koori Mail, Welcome to Country presentations
- A focus on promoting Aboriginal services and nominating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people as Zest Ambassadors at annual WSCF Zest Awards
This RAP journey has been an important process for WSCF to date. It has helped us to be accountable for our work towards our vision for a unified and thriving Great Western Sydney that honours, respects and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. There is more work for us to do to and we look forward to providing future updates on our progress.
