ACHS Moves into Innovate Stage of Reconciliation Action Plan

Our work continues to foster inclusivity and deepen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

ACHS is pleased to announce our embarkment of the Innovate stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) ahead of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2024. 

NRW is a time for Australians to reflect on our shared history and take steps toward a more inclusive future. This year’s theme "Now More Than Ever," reminds us of the importance of unity, truth-telling, and continuous progress towards justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

ACHS continues our efforts to create meaningful change and to engage with reconciliation in ways that resonate across our entire organisation.

One of the significant developments in our RAP journey has been the establishment of a passionate and committed Working Group, including two Aboriginal members: ACHS Assessor Glenise Coulthard AM is an Adnyamathanha woman from the Northern Flinders Ranges and ACHS staff member Katie Robinson RN, MPH, ACHSQIL is a Palawa woman from Lutruwita. This collective group signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering greater inclusivity and promoting reconciliation within our organisation. The Working Group have been exploring ways to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, discussing and sharing insights into our collective vision for reconciliation.
 

"Reconciliation is the path for rebuilding trust and mutual understanding which will support truth-telling. It is about re-learning, breaking down unconscious bias, racist behaviours and thought patterns. It is about no longer hiding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience of history, no longer excluding it, no longer excluding us."

ACHS has shared a calendar of local events to encourage staff to take part in meaningful conversations about reconciliation. ACHS is currently engaging our staff in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Course created by the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia. This course has been developed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and for people living and working anywhere within Australia. Through the course, staff are provided a foundation for ongoing learning, enabling our team to better understand and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. 

 

"I found this course to be incredibly informative, explaining not only the diversity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, but also the political and social aspects."

As we look ahead on our RAP, we know that reconciliation is an ongoing journey. Our Working Group will continue to explore new ideas, activities and share learnings that can help support reconciliation within our organisation and broader community. 

You can learn more about National Reconciliation Week by visiting Reconciliation Australia’s website here.