Celebrating our first Reconciliation Action Plan

Reconciliation Australia endorsed Berry Street’s first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the end of 2020. This reflects our commitment to supporting an equitable Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the same life opportunities as all Australians.

Our Reflect RAP celebrations will be occurring virtually throughout February and March of 2021. This year, Berry Street will undertake authentic reflection and review of current practice, systems and relationships to develop a meaningful understanding on how we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, children, families and communities.

We will be warmly welcoming attendees from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to the celebrations. In the lead up to the events, we have met with local ACCOs to inform the community of our reconciliation commitment and have introduced quarterly reporting to discuss our progress. We are grateful for the support we have received from these discussions and look forward to strengthening our relationships with ACCOs over the coming year.

Key themes outlined in our RAP include:

• Truth-Telling, as an organisation and country
• Cultural Safety for staff and service users
• Cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users
• Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to be heard, valued and respected.

Everyone has a role in supporting reconciliation at Berry Street and we look forward to what we can achieve together.