A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic document that supports an organisation’s business plan. It includes practical actions that will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which it operates.
The RAP contributes to advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation by supporting organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with First Nations People.
RWAV has taken the first steps by implementing the Reflect RAP.
What is the RAP?
The RAP is a four-step Reconciliation Action Plan that allows an organisation to strategically set its reconciliation commitments in line with its own business objectives. The RAP’s strength is its framework of relationships, respect, and opportunities, which develops through its sphere of influence.
The four RAP types include Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.
Our RAP outlines the ways we will build reconciliation into what we do and how we work. It will cover three themes: relationships, respect and opportunities, and outlines how we will track the progress we make towards reaching our goals.
RWAV’s Reflect RAP
We have taken a Reflect approach in developing our first RAP to deepen our understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make. The Reflect RAP will support RWAV’s three-year strategic plan and include actions to guide RWAV’s internal and external contribution to reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RWAV’s Reflect RAP is now fully endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
Our action plan includes;
Relationships
- Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
- Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
- Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
- Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.
Respect
- Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.
- Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.
- Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Opportunities
- Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development.
- Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development.
- Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.
Governance
- Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.
- Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.
- Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.
- Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.
RWAV continues to support health services across Victoria and makes RAP grants available to general practices, allied health and primary care services in rural Victoria. This will improve business practices by supporting the development of RAPs and promoting engagement. We acknowledge the importance of holistic, community-led health care that generates the best possible health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
