Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the coming together of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people to build a healthier society. We do this through acknowledging the disparity that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people and then by working together to end that disparity. In doing so we build stronger communities and healthier relationships, and improve opportunities, for the benefit of all Australians.

Our vision for Reconciliation is to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through our services in a way that empowers self-determination for economic, social and cultural development. We will be unified in creating a place of belonging and respecting the connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to communities, lands and cultures in the Northern Territory and beyond.

At ARRCS, we seek to work in ways that reflect our commitment to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People and to treat their cultures and beliefs with respect. We believe in coming together as one to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities from Darwin to Kaltukatjara (Docker River) receive the quality services, comfort and care to which all Australians are entitled.

Reflect RAP

We have deepened our journey towards Reconciliation, developing our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2018-19 to demonstrate our commitment towards closing the gap in accessing health services and developing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our Reflect RAP focuses on building solid foundations that increase our cultural footprint and outlines the actions and targets that we recognise as being pivotal in the Reconciliation journey.

It focuses on three key areas:

• Relationships – governance and partnerships: Building sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to work together in creating a Cultural Security Framework.
• Respect – cultural appreciation and traditional languages: Acknowledging and appreciating the culture and traditional language of our residents.
• Opportunities – employment and capacity building: Investing in the capability and leadership development of our employees, community and the business to build sustainable and meaningful employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Acknowledgement

Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS) would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land that we provide services on, and acknowledge our gratitude that we share this land, our sorrow for all of the costs of that sharing, and our hope and belief that we can move to a place of equity, justice and partnership together.

Discover Reconciliation at ARRCS