Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Working Together for a Shared Future
Communities at Work strives to be a place where the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are woven into the fabric of our organisation, our people and the community we serve.
We recognise and celebrate the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia’s lands and waters, and we are committed to building strong and mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to progress our commitment to reconciliation and improve our knowledge and skills so that our services and programs are appropriate and support the needs of both Indigenous and other Australian peoples.
Acknowledgement of Country
Communities at Work acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Performing Daily Acknowledgement of Country
A special part of the day for children and staff at many of our early childcare and education centres is the daily Acknowledgement to Country to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people, and a sharing of what they are thankful for. Our children love this part of the day and, importantly, are learning about the need to respect our history and all cultures.
Some of our centres have created their own Acknowledgement to Country wording, while others share the wording of their neighbouring primary schools.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Communities at Work is committed to building relationships with our First Peoples and expanding staff and client awareness of their histories and cultures. On 10 November 2020, we released our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan, which outlined the actions we continue taking towards that commitment.
“Communities at Work has long had a culture that embraces the spirit of reconciliation. This Reflect RAP process has allowed us to determine a strategic direction and prioritise the action to achieve new outcomes. Importantly, the RAP process has reinforced a culture of determination to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all of our community work.”
-Alan Greenslade, Communities at Work Board Chair
Download Our Reconciliation Action Plan Resources
- Download the Communities at Work Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) here.
- Download our RAP Poster here.
- Download our Frequently Asked Questions about RAP here.
Reconciliation Working Group
Communities at Work’s Reconciliation Working Group is responsible for the development, implementation and reporting of Communities at Work’s Reconciliation Action Plan to support Indigenous reconciliation within the organisation and the wider community.
Membership consists of representatives from the Executive, Community Development, HR, staff and marketing. At the end of 2020 Board member Joanne Garrison also joined the Group, a reflection of the Board’s commitment to practical reconciliation.
About the Artwork
Burrul-gi-gi, Wuuri, meaning ‘grow’ and ‘give’ in Gamilaraay language is about coming together in the journey of education, learning, growing with knowledge and passing the knowledge on. The landscape of this piece, the cracked earth, pays respect to the traditional custodians, the importance of their connection to country and their eternal care and passing on of such vital knowledge of country.
The circular shape of the artwork illustrates the cycle of learning, reflecting and growing:
- Learning to reflect.
- Reflecting to grow.
- Growing by continuing the learning journey as it strengthens through time.
The piece in its entirety embodies the gift of time, being together and sharing the growth of each other’s personal and collective journeys.
About the Artist
Local Canberra-based artist, Leah Brideson, specially created artwork for our RAP. Leah is a descendent of the Kamilaroi people from the Gunnedah region. She is a self-taught Aboriginal artist who creates ‘Visual Yarns’ or stories through her paintings, in which are inspired from her Country, her family history and the local landscape.
Previous RAPs
To date, Communities at Work has progressed two Reflect and two Innovate RAPS, with the first being in April 2011. Our current RAP was released in November 2020.
“Australians are incredibly fortunate to have such a rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and we all benefit from that.”
– Alan Greenslade, Communities at Work Board Chair
Explore the highlights of Communities at Work’s Reconciliation Journey and get the latest Communities at Work’s Reconciliation Action Plan News here.