HUNTER domestic violence and homelessness service Carrie's Place has launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan this week.
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The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aims to build and strengthen the organisation's relationship with local First Nations communities.
It provides a strategic document that includes a practical framework to drive the organisation's contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the community.
As part of the launch, an artwork by Indigenous artist Saretta Fielding was unveiled.
The artwork shares the story of Carrie's Place and their mission to provide holistic services to build capacity, inclusion and resilience.
A message in the RAP from the chief executive officer of Carrie's Place, Jayne Clowes, said the not-for-profit organisation was proud to present its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
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"This is a formal commitment to reconciliation, by strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by valuing heritage, and valuing justice and equity for all Australians," Ms Clowes said.
"The development of Carrie's Place Reconciliation Action Plan is a genuine commitment to providing a safe and culturally appropriate response to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are proactive in what we do, and we know that ensuring respect for cultural connectedness is vital for our clients and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"We have built our Reconciliation Action Plan to ensure diversity in our workforce, and by representing our community we support, and by a collaborative approach focusing on Relationships, Respect and Opportunities."
The RAP covers a number of partnerships, current/past activities and new opportunities in the community including a partnering with Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council to deliver the Inner Strengths program; a culturally appropriate domestic violence eight-week workshop as well as participating in Walk A Mile Koori Style; a community event which involves a walk to raise awareness about violence against women.
It also covers how the organisation will implement internal activities and indicatives including recruitment, cultural awareness training for all employees and recognising nationally significant dates such as National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.
RAP working group member Charna Lieben said she attended the launch of a RAP and felt "inspired" to promote it to Carrie's Place.
"It's very exciting and very needed. We've got a great team with a lot of good ideas," Ms Lieben said.
"It's about making Carrie's Place making a commitment to reconciliation, closing the gap and working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about how we can better support them in Maitland."
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