FAQs
- start engaging staff and leaders in understanding the importance of reconciliation
- develop relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders
- scope where our organisation could best have impact in our sphere of influence.
- two RAP working groups
- our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group
- workshops run by Stonecrab’s First Nations consultant
- Reconciliation Australia.
What is reconciliation?
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. Learn more here.
What is an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan?
An Innovate RAP is the next step after creating and delivering a Reflect RAP.
It is a formal document with a structured framework that allows an organisation to establish best approaches to advance reconciliation.
They outline specific actions to advance reconciliation within our community, with a focus on strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and piloting strategies for further reconciliation commitments.
Why has Council developed an Innovate RAP?
Developing a RAP is helping Council to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
In 2022, Council adopted its Reflect RAP to:
We have a deeper connection to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and some First Nations organisations in Sutherland Shire to date.
As a result, we've increased our partnerships with Aboriginal Elders and seen more community members each year joining our First Nations cultural events.
The Innovate RAP builds on the foundations laid by our Reflect RAP, focusing on Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.
This journey is helping to evolve our understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives, increase cultural awareness, and demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity.
Who created the beautiful artwork in the Innovate RAP?
“Waterway Connections: A Mangrove Migration” is an artwork by proud Tubba-Gah artist, Merindah Funnell. It reminds us that waterways, rivers, and inlets connect us across lands and cultures.
Itis designed to encourage audiences to engage with Dharawal Land and culture, as well as reflect on their own connections to culture.
The concept of mangrove migration was inspired by Aunty Barb Simms on a sunny day in La Perouse, alongside local artist Merindah Funnell.
How was this Innovate RAP developed?
The Draft Innovate RAP was developed in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including:
The working groups met four times over 2024 and 2025 to undertake reflection and ideation workshops.
Our community RAP working group includes Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members who give advice and guidance on matters of cultural significance and the impact that has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
Both indigenous and non-indigenous voices form this community working group, and our internal staff working group have helped to ensure the Innovate RAP is genuine and impactful.
How will progress on the RAP be measured?
Progress will be measured through regular reporting, community feedback, and evaluation of specific actions and outcomes outlined in the RAP.
Annual Reporting and Impact measurement questionnaires will also be conducted through Reconciliation Australia.
Who is responsible for implementing the RAP?
The RAP implementation is a collaborative effort. Delivered by Council, it will involve both RAP working groups, the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, key members of our local Aboriginal community and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
What is Reconciliation Australia's role in endorsing the RAP?
Reconciliation Australia provide the framework and most of the deliverables to be implemented as part of the Innovate RAP.
Reconciliation Australia provide strategic review and feedback throughout the RAP development process and final endorsement of the RAP. This is to ensure all requirements are met under its RAP Framework.
Within Council's draft RAP there are seven ‘unique deliverables’ developed in collaboration with our stakeholders to help make our RAP more local and contextual to Sutherland Shire.