Celebrating the Launch of Our Reflect RAP Plan

July 23, 2024

Pictured: Left: Residents of our North Turramurra home with Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu dancers. Right: Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu dancers.

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) recently celebrated the launch of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  

The document was developed in collaboration with our First Nations External Advisor and Wakka Wakka women Brooke Prentis and is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, setting out the strategic initiatives aimed at fostering healing, understanding, and mutual respect. It's more than a document; it's a roadmap for building relationships and connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  

The moving launch event took place at our North Turramurra Residential Care home, featuring a smoking ceremony, a didgeridoo performance and Aboriginal dance led by Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu dancers. 

Attendees included residents and staff, Board Chair Mike Christensen, CEO Monique Reynolds, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council Sam Ngai, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) Chaplain Fr John Knight and Brooke Prentis.  

The RAP launch was intentionally held in NAIDOC Week with this year's theme "Blak, Loud and Proud".  

Pictured: Top Left: Brooke Prentis and Diramu dancers Pictured Top Right: SCC RAP Working Group, Board Chair Mike Chistensen, CEO Monique Reynolds, Brooke Prentis, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council Sam Ngai, and  Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) Chaplain Fr John Knight.  Bottom: SCC Team and Brooke Prentis.

CEO Monique Reynolds expressed her pride in launching the RAP, emphasising its role as a continuous journey of reflection, education, and positive transformation. 

"Our RAP is not just a statement of intent; it is a series of actions we will take to embed the pillars of relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance; and serves as a guide for nurturing relationships and forging connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," she said. 

Wakka Wakka woman Brooke Prentis confirmed the importance of Reconciliation, enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enjoy long and healthy lives. 

"An important aspect of Reconciliation at this time in Australia's history is closing the gap," she said. 

"Which would mean my people would stop dying too young and too often. It would mean my people would reach an age to actually enter aged care services, as currently, many die before the age of 55. Thank you, Southern Cross Care, for taking my Aboriginal hand of friendship; let's together see older people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live life to the full." 

As part of our reflection, we talked to members of our community about what Reconciliation means to them.  

We heard from Brooke Smith, an SCC physiotherapist in the Sydney Southeast region, "I am a proud Palawa woman; I was born and grew up on the Northwest coast of Tasmania in a small town called Smithton. 

Pictured: Brooke Smith SCC Physiotherapist in the Sydney Southeast region.

“Reconciliation involves a deep commitment to understanding and respecting cultures, rights, and perspectives. It is a process of learning, unlearning, and taking concrete actions to build a just and equitable society. It means honouring the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, rectifying wrongs, and working collaboratively towards a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can thrive together." 

Brooke hopes that the relationships and connections grown will lead to "significant positive changes for Indigenous communities, including economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and enhanced wellbeing." 

We recognise that Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, requiring continuous reflection, learning, and respect for the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations peoples. 

NAIDOC Week celebrations were echoed throughout our locations and services in NSW & ACT. The launch was livestreamed for staff, volunteers, residents, clients, and the wider SCC community to enjoy. Food, stories and activities sparked a true spirit of celebration, connection and learning across our locations.   

Read our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan document here.

Pictured: NAIDOC Week Food served across our homes, Braised Lamb & Bush Tomato Pie, Fig Jam Scones & Wattleseed Loaf, & Lemon Myrtle Self Saucing Pudding.