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 that is implemented into originations and companies designed with practical actions in order to build strong relationships, support understanding with first nations communities and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
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.
Rochelle Morris, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison an Aboriginal woman from the Gumbaynggirr Nation, is deeply aware of the opportunities Torrens University Australia has to impact the lives of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those who choose to further their education.
Our key Executive sponsor Bryce Ives, Vice President Public Affairs and Communications, is our RAP Champion and drives Torrens University Australia’s internal engagement of our RAP alongside Rochelle Morris, and is passionate about inclusivity and ensuring we contribute to closing the gap in educational inequalities and creating opportunities to make our university a choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s staff and student base.
Supported by executive leadership we will commit to establishing a three-tiered RAP governance structure, where we will seek staff
committed to implementing our plan and who are passionate about enhancing our reconciliation journey across our organisation.
We will commit to establishing genuine and productive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities in which our campuses are built.
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.
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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
