Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
Mai-Wel acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich contribution and connection to the Land, histories, heritage and cultures of all regions across Australia. Our work to create the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan solidifies our commitment to support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Nationally Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent a disproportionately high number of Australians with a disability. Today Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women experience disability at approximately twice the rate of other Australians; while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are also twice as likely as other Australian children to have a disability. ABS data (2016) indicates that 5.3% of Maitland’s population and 6.7% of Cessnock’s population identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our journey to Mai-Wel’s Reconciliation Action Plan
Since 2019, Mai-Wel has been working on the creation of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and in January 2021 the Plan was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
The Reflect RAP is a solid foundation for our ongoing commitment to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, programs, events and the adoption of respectful protocols.
Guided by the Reflect RAP, we will begin to explore how we can strengthen internal processes and build the cultural competency of staff. When ready we will review this process and advance to an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan where we will adequately assess the internal needs of the organisation and progress our journey.
Mai-Wel will promote shared ownership of the RAP across the all levels of the organisation. The formal processes of the RAP development, implementation, action and reporting will be championed by General Manager Participant Services, and development, endorsement and lauch of the RAP will be led by the Aboriginal Employees Network and Leadership Team.
If you are part of a local business of organisation looking to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan, we recommend that you visit the resources available on the Reconciliation Australia website.
