The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW unveiled a new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in August 2021.

Our latest RAP runs from 2021 to 2023 and aims to guide the next two years of decision-making, provide ways for the Society to be held accountable to our goals, and improve our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

As part of our commitment to reconciliation and shaping a more just and compassionate society for all, the Society has developed key focus areas with actions to be held accountable.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
• Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
• Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
• Support advocacy on social justice issues with First Nations Peoples by engaging in policy processes, raising awareness amongst Society People, and supporting key campaigns.
• Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.

RESPECT

• Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights through cultural learning.
• Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.
• Improve the cultural competency of our service delivery workforce to ensure the safety and inclusion of First Nations Peoples.
• Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention, and professional development.
• Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.

GOVERNANCE

• Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.
• Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments
• Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.
• Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.