What is reconciliation?
At its core, reconciliation is all about the strengthening of relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians present and future.
It is a journey undertaken by the willing to learn understand and love the cultures we share the
land with. Healing the wounds and closing the gap
between our people so that we may all prosper.
Our Vision for Reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia that embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
non-Indigenous Australians.
We commit to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, sta and communities to share historical truth-telling, knowledge and practices that connect the world for good. Our organisation, envisions being a champion for equal education outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and an inclusive and diverse workplace that is not just culturally safe, but culturally rich and proud.
The Mission
Reconciliation Australia says progress is needed in five areas – race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity and historical acceptance – to ensure everyone has the same opportunities, choices and quality of life.
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Race Relations
All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and
non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism.
Equality and Equity
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld.
Unity
An Australian society that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared identity.
Institutional Integrity
The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.
Historical Acceptance
All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and the impact of these wrongs. Australia makes amends for the wrongs of the past and ensures these wrongs are never repeated.
So what is a RAP?
A RAP (reconciliation action plan) is a framework implemented into originations and companies to strategically set its reconciliation commitments in line with their own business objectives, for the most effective outcomes, designed with practical actions to build relationships, respect, and opportunities for First Nations communities, Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australians altogether.
Does torrens have a RAP?
Yes, we do! and as a matter of fact, you're participating in it right now!
We see a contemporary shift in Australian attitudes towards the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the valuable contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make at
all levels of society.
Torrens University Australia will embark on a Reflect RAP which aims to lay the foundations that guide the work that contributes towards a shared vision of reconciliation and prepares us for future Reconciliation Action Plans.
As an organisation, we are aware and
have a belief that everyone can help change the world one small act at a time and we want to ensure that we establish
a culturally safe organisation that fosters respectful and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and those who work and study with us.
Click for a copy of the 2023 RAP document
This newly endorsed RAP comes at a time when our nation is calling for a First Nations voice to Parliament and asking the public to vote on three reforms aligning to Voice, Treaty and Truth.
The RAP is our chance to be bold and brave and make Indigenous business everyone's business.
It is our commitment to celebrating and acknowledging the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and how their knowledge contributes to our passion for doing good in our communities.
Over the next 12 months, our RAP will guide us to make meaningful connections with staff, students and communities and challenge us to be bold and inclusive within our organisation at all levels and in multiple spaces. We will officially launch the TUA RAP in 2023 - let's be brave, keep the conversations going - talk about it with everybody, and become a RAP champion. No matter who you are, or what you do, or how you live - reconciliation is the way forward for a better world.
Black Diamond Images, Forster Main Beach, 2001, artist unknown
So what can I do?
Reconciliation is more than a word - its action. And all across
the year action is taken on every level of the community.
Every bit counts on the journey to a reconciled nation.
Actions for change
Events Calendar
13
Febuary
National
Apology Day
17
March
Close the
Gap Day
27
May
1967 Referendum
3
June
Mabo Day
1
July
Coming of
the Light
3-10
July
NAIDOC WEEK
1
September
Indigenous Literacy Day
13
March
UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights
4
August
9
June
World Indigenous Peoples Day
Knowledge is power
Torrens partners
Torrens University has partnered with a variety of organizations, programs, artists and communities to promote and cultivate a strong relationship with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Metropolitan Aboriginal
Land Council
Birrunga gallery /
Henderson Gallery Brisbane
National Centre
of Indigenous
Excellence
