The aim of the Brigade’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is to strengthen the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people for the benefit of everyone. The Brigade’s Reconciliation Action Plan was developed in consultation and collaboration with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples associated with the Brigade who expressed interest in contributing their knowledge and insight to the plan.
The Girls & Boys Brigade has a vision that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families of the Brigade to be in control of all decisions impacting their future. We aim to:
- support the physical, emotional and social empowerment of all First Nations peoples who access our services through offerings that are culturally appropriate
- listen to and learn from the First Nations families at the Brigade, and promote and support their needs for self-determination
The Reconciliation Action Plan outlines a practical plan of action for The Girls and Boys Brigade to commit to. One of the aims of this Reconciliation Action Plan is to turn desires for reconciliation into strong and positive actions.
The Girls & Boys Brigade is committed to completing the actions below by June 2023:
- Commence all Brigade meetings with an acknowledgement of country
- Have all current and future staff complete cultural awareness training
- Have all Brigade Directors complete cultural awareness training
- Ensure the Brigade is a culturally safe and culturally competent organisation
- Have signage recognising the traditional custodians of the land of Fairfax house visible upon entry into the building
- Recognise and/or celebrate important Indigenous dates and events such as; Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
- Ensure at least one holiday program activity focuses on the ongoing culture of First Nations peoples
- Ensure one staff innovation session per term focuses on the ongoing culture of First Nations peoples and led by a First Nations individual, group or organisation
- Develop strong relationships with surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to provide appropriate and easy to access referral pathways for needed services for our First Nations families
- Integrate RAP actions within the Brigade’s Strategic Plan
- Make the Brigade’s RAP available online through The Girls & Boys Brigade website
- Hold at least two RAP Working Group meetings each year to monitor and report on the progress and implementation of the RAP Report on the progress of the RAP following each RAP Working Group meeting to all Brigade staff and Directors
- Report on the RAP progress in each Brigade Annual Report
