What is Reconciliation?

    “At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians” 

    Reconciliation is walking alongside/working together with First Nations Peoples, and the wider Australian community creating respectful relationships and equity in opportunity and outcome. The journey is for all Australians.

    The five dimensions of reconciliation are: Unity, Equality & Equity, Historical Acceptance, Institutional Integrity and Race Relations.

     – Reconciliation Australia

    Will there be Aboriginal people involved in developing the RAP?

    Yes, Council has invited the Aboriginal community organisations to be involved and will be meeting with individuals to listen and learn.  

    There are a range of opportunities for Council staff who identify as an Aboriginal person to provide leadership and participate in developing the RAP. 

    Council will be engaging an Aboriginal artist to create art work for the RAP and to share Glenorchy’s story.

    What are the different types of RAPs?

    There are 4 levels of RAPs within the Reconciliation Australia Program:

    1. Reflect – Setting up steps for future RAPs and scoping and developing relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, listening and learning. Setting a vision (12 months)
    2. Innovate Implementation of actions for achieving our vision for reconciliation (2 years)
    3. Stretch - Embedding the plan. Focuses on long-term strategies, targets and goals so they are ‘business as usual’ (2-3 years)
    4. Elevate – Strong relationships with Reconciliation Australia, provide leadership and undertakes independent assessment of activities

    What is Council’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?

    The development of the Glenorchy City Council Reflect RAP will assist us to scope our capacity for reconciliation and set out actions that will prepare us for the journey ahead in future RAPs.

    Council is being guided by Reconciliation Australia RAP framework and supported by Reconciliation Tasmania. 

    A Reflect RAP spans a 12-month period and is the first step for organisations new to reconciliation. 

    Developing a Reflect RAP will involve partnering with representatives from the local Aboriginal community, Council staff, Council elected members and Reconciliation Australia/Tasmania.

    Who is leading this project?

    The Mayor on behalf of Council and the General Manager will lead the development of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

    Why is the Council making a RAP?

    The Council is committed to strengthening our relationships with the community to better understand, value and share the stories and aspirations of Aboriginal people. 

     


    Who is the RAP for?

    The RAP benefits all members of the community, and will inform the way Council works and delivers services.

    What are the steps and the timeline?

    STEP 1: Engagement and Consultation. Reaching out to Aboriginal organisations, surveys and face-to-face conversations. 

    STEP 2: Listening and learning

    STEP 3: Once the public comment period has closed, all feedback will be considered for the draft Reflect RAP. Council will then seek feedback from Reconciliation Australia on the draft

    STEP 4: Phase 2 of public consultation

    STEP 5: The finalised RAP will then go to Council for endorsement to be presented to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement

    What will the RAP achieve?

    The RAP is a plan for collaborating with, and walking alongside Aboriginal people. Ultimately, the RAP will: 

    • Build on our existing relationships with the Aboriginal community
    • Value the stories and aspirations of Aboriginal people as leaders in our community
    • Extend Council's knowledge of Aboriginal culture 
    • Provide opportunities for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead and contribute to decisions at the Council that affect the community
    • Provide opportunities to become an employer of choice for Aboriginal people and a more culturally aware workplace