Who is Reconciliation Australia?
Who We Are
Reconciliation Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that was established in 2000 by the former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. We are the peak national organisation building and promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians for the wellbeing of the nation.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors comprises Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are respected leaders in their fields and share a determination to do what it takes to build reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation Australia Strategic Plan 2010 - 2015
Introduction
After ten years of contributing to building evidence, influencing policy and encouraging action to advance reconciliation, Reconciliation Australia recognises that an increasing number of Australians are becoming engaged and are taking action towards reconciliation – yet there remains more work to be done before national reconciliation between the First Australians and other Australians is achieved
Over the next five years, we will seize opportunities as they arise to help Australians from all walks of life to understand and fulfil their diverse roles in realising a reconciled Australia where good relationships have closed the gaps between us and afforded our nation a shared sense of justice done.
Our ongoing capacity to support the community will be strengthened through our organisational learning and accountability and through the partnerships and relationships we build and sustain with organisations and individuals throughout Australia which will ensure the health and relevance of Reconciliation Australia.
Our Vision
An Australia that values and respects the special place, cultures, rights and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and where our relationships become the foundation for success and for our national wellbeing.
Our Mission
To work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians to strengthen the mutual understanding, trust and respect essential to achieve our vision for reconciliation.
Our Objectives
To achieve our vision and meet current and future challenges, RA will concentrate its efforts on four objectives.
a) Demonstrate national leadership in reconciliation
- Increase recognition of the special place of the First Australians and their unique contribution to Australia’s national identity.
- Ensure that reconciliation remains a high priority on the national agenda.
- Provide meaningful ways for all Australians to play an active role in reconciliation.
- Shape the national reconciliation debate by influencing policy makers and opinion leaders.
- Measure national progress towards reconciliation.
b) Analyse and promote success
- Promote best practice models and support programs that improve outcomes for Indigenous people and strengthen communities.
- Gather evidence and lessons around what is effective in achieving reconciliation.
- Apply what we know is effective in achieving reconciliation through Reconciliation Australia’s organisational practices.
c) Encourage and support new relationships that underpin reconciliation
- Initiate partnerships and programs that model good practice.
- Educate and engage young people and build their capacity to participate in the reconciliation process.
- Facilitate relationships that encourage whole of community action towards reconciliation.
d) Build and nurture our own relationships to ensure Reconciliation Australia remains a healthy and effective organisation
- Ensure a solid funding base to be able to develop medium term programs.
- Achieve an active learning culture that provides opportunities for all staff to develop their skills.
- Ensure staff are engaged, supported and valued.
- Ensure all legal and ethical obligations are met.
Measuring our progress
Our work is informed by the findings of the Australian Reconciliation Barometer which exposes both the opportunities and the barriers we face in advancing reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia will continue to use the Australian Reconciliation Barometer, alongside other impact measurement tools, to assess our own performance and track progress towards our vision.
The Barometer has confirmed that if Australians are to build the kind of relationships that allow us to work together effectively to close the gaps, it is essential that we promote:
Awareness – Expanding knowledge of the facts
The foundation for reconciliation is an understanding of the basic facts of Indigenous Australia, including history and its continuing effects, the importance of culture, the contribution of Indigenous people to Australia’s development, and the diverse situations of Indigenous people today. This provides the basis for the respectful engagements that build greater mutual understanding.
Attitudes – Shaping values and behaviour
Understanding the attitudes that we have toward each other and the way they influence our actions is essential in seeking to promote attitudinal and behavioural change for reconciliation.
Perceptions – Understanding what we think of each other
Assumptions we make of each other are often based on stereotypes and misinformation which shape our attitudes and behaviour towards each other. Gaining a sense of the many things we have in common as fellow Australians and breaking down entrenched generalisations enables Australians from all backgrounds to move towards a new relationship.
Action – Taking and supporting action
Reconciliation Australia educates and equips the community to turn good intentions into meaningful action that advances reconciliation.
Our Values
Our values guide how we work within our organisation and how we deal with others.
Respect – recognising and respecting the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples as the First Australians in our national identity; respecting the diversity of values, cultures, ideas and identity of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Justice and equality – understanding that things are far from equal and working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples having access to the resources they need to exercise their rights, achieve their potential and participate in social and economic life.
Cultural competence – our board, staff and partners continually develop their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures as a basis for safe and respectful relationships, playing a part in heightening the wider community’s knowledge of Indigenous Australians and our shared history.
Openness – being honest and transparent in our communication and acting as a facilitator that brings people together, listens and accommodates a wide range of views.
Integrity – practicing what we preach, being ethical and providing an example to others.
Non-discrimination – opposing racism and seeking to change behaviour in a non-confrontational way through education and information.
Learning – being an organisation that values self-reflection, evaluation of our work and learning from our mistakes.
Accountability – being transparent and impartial, and reporting on what we do in a meaningful way.
Independence – recognising and communicating that while we forge partnerships we retain our independence, including from government and other community based organisations. We are informed and sustained by the Australian community.
