Our 2024-2025 Innovate RAP

Acknowledgement and Vision

Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia that forges unity between First Nations peoples and other Australians, celebrates the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories, and enables the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.

Families Australia celebrates more than 65,000 years of custodianship and connection to lands and sea country of First Nations peoples. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors.

For millennia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been nurturing children and young people through lore, kinship systems and the powerful cultural role of Elders. The wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families is fundamental to the wellbeing of this country.

Families Australia’s purpose is to improve the wellbeing of all families. To achieve this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities must be at the forefront of policy and community conversations on strengthening all families. We work closely with these organisations and communities in true partnership to realise this vision.

Our 2024-2025 Innovate RAP

We have been on our reconciliation journey since our inception, increasing efforts over the years. We are proud of the progress we have made. However, this journey is in its early stages, and we have a long way to go. Since inception, Families Australia has had a permanent position on our board of governance for a person of First Nations origin.

We have progressed our reconciliation efforts through a dedicated Reconciliation Working Group and reported on activities associated with our reconciliation journey through out annual reports for many years. We recognise that we have a long way to go on our reconciliation journey. Development of an endorsed RAP will not only support our own individual journey as an organisation, it will also further national efforts through promoting and encouraging RAPs to be adopted by our members organisations, promoting reconciliation across the country.

A copy of Families Australia’s 2024-2025 Innovate RAP can can be downloaded HERE.

Photographs used in our RAP have been purchase from:
Jade Photography by Aleesha. In March 2023, Aleesha a Gumbaynggirr woman now living and working on Gamilaroi Country (Moree) started her business, and since then has worked with 35 families and been a photographer for multiple events in Western NSW, particularly Moree. Apart from her kids, starting her own business has been the best decision she has made. Aleesha’s passion for photography drives her to do the best work for her clients.

And Ms. Nikeasha Chapman.
Nickeisha is a proud Gumea, Yuin, Dharawal woman from the South Coast NSW, now living in Meeanjin (Brisbane). Nickeisha’s passion for photography roots from her love for culture, of art, creativity and storytelling.