Reconciliation Action Plan launched

Community Catechist Leadership meeting of stakeholders: NATSICC; Alice Springs Community Elders; priests from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Alice Springs; and Catholic Mission. Catholic Mission has a long history of working with and advocating for Indigenous communities, and the new Reconciliation Action Plan further cements our commitment for reconciliation.

Artwork created by Robin Nilco, a Tindji man. Robin’s clan come from an area approximately 100km north of Wadeye in the Northern Territory. His language group is Marie Amiu and his clan has about 20 totems. Robin identifies with the butterfly totem – Awu matamata. This artwork was gifted to Catholic Mission by the Christian Brothers in Wadeye as a symbol of our mission. The butterfly moves out to enhance the world, similar to the missionaries working tirelessly to support and empower those in most need around the world, but always returns to be focused again in our spiritual home.

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Catholic Mission’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and launched in March 2022.

The uptake of RAPs in recent years is having a significant impact on the Australian workplace and we are excited to take part in the program. Catholic Mission is joining a network of more than 1,100 corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors which have formalised their commitment to reconciliation through the program. Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia, explains:

“Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement.

The program’s potential for impact is greater than ever, with close to three million people now working or studying in an organisation with a RAP”.

Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.

There are four types of plans—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate. Catholic Mission’s RAP is grounded in the Reflect style, which will guide us through establishing an effective governance structure, determining our vision for reconciliation, scoping and reflecting on how we can continue to increase our commitment to reconciliation.

By engaging our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network, and with guidance from Reconciliation Australia and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), we look forward to this next chapter in our journey of walking together towards reconciliation. •