Our Innovate RAP is an important step towards reconciliation, which builds on our vision and enduring commitment to reconciliation. This vision sees a future in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people share in an equitable, prosperous, and rewarding future.
Innovate RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
April 2024 - April 2026
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Disclaimer To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. Housing Choices makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. Housing Choices expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of the use of information provided. Housing Choices recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.
Artwork cover acknowledgement
Innovate RAP cover artwork by Leslie Pickett, Walkabout for Bush Tucker . Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this document may contain images and names of deceased persons.
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
Smoking ceremony at Nightingale Bowden, Adelaide.
Contents About the artist..............................................................................................................................................4 Description of painting................................................................................................................................5 Reconciliation Australia CEO statement..................................................................................................6 Message from the Chair...............................................................................................................................7 Message from the CEO................................................................................................................................8 About our business.......................................................................................................................................9 Our journey toward reconciliation..........................................................................................................10 Our stories....................................................................................................................................................12 Working toward our Innovate RAP..........................................................................................................16 Governance.................................................................................................................................................. 17 Broadening and deepening our relationships.......................................................................................18 Our commitments Relationships............................................................................................................................................ 20 Respect. .................................................................................................................................................... 24 Opportunities........................................................................................................................................... 26 Governance.............................................................................................................................................. 30
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026 3
About the artist
Leslie Pickett
Noongar woman, artist and Housing Choices Western Australia resident, Leslie, is the artist behind the beautiful artwork featured on the cover and throughout our Innovate RAP. Born in Pinjarra, in the Peel region of Western Australia, one hour south of Perth, the 58-year-old is part of the Stolen Generation: “When I was young, I was placed in Roelands Mission with my brother and sisters. Later my Mum and Pop got us out and we were all together again.” Leslie began painting as a child, drawing inspiration from the trees and landscapes that surrounded her. Over the years, she taught herself different painting techniques and picked up art skills from her four sisters. She experiences particular joy and pleasure when painting nature. “I store ideas in my head, once I start painting it just starts coming out,” she said. Leslie’s artistic talents are not limited to painting, she also etches emu eggs using a sharp razor and mini drill to carve designs into eggshells. Despite her love of art, Leslie spent years without picking up a paint brush. That changed a few years ago when she walked into Housing Choices Western Australia Mandurah office, which had been freshly painted, and she noted how bare the walls were. Inspired, Leslie offered to create an artwork which would brighten up the space. After receiving funding from Housing Choices to buy art materials, Leslie exhibited her work at the tenant art show, after which Housing Choices Western Australia purchased Walkabout for Bush Tucker for the office. Walkabout for Bush Tucker has brought joy to staff in the office, and its bright colours are now being spread across the nation.
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
Description of painting The central circles in the design represent water holes surrounded by bush tucker, such as animals, fish and insects that can be found along them. Using acrylic paints on canvas, Leslie created this work over three evenings, reflecting her love for painting at night when she feels most calm and peaceful. This is her time out, when her grandchildren are in bed and there is peace in the house. During this time, she paints for two to three hours at a time. “I get different ideas and keep filling up the canvas as the ideas come. Painting is relaxing, it takes away all the busy thoughts in my head and calms me,” Leslie said. Encouraged by one of her granddaughters, Leslie said she likes to incorporate bright colours into her work: “Water can be different colours, bright in sunshine to dirty.”
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Reconciliation Australia CEO statement Reconciliation Australia commends Housing Choices Australia on the formal endorsement of its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The RAP program’s framework of relationships, respect, and opportunities emphasises not only the importance of fostering consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, but also empowering and enabling staff to contribute to this process, as well. With close to 3 million people now either working or studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program’s potential for impact is greater than ever. Housing Choices Australia is part of a strong network of more than 2,200 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and intention, and transformed it into action. Implementing an Innovate RAP signals Housing Choices Australia’s readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes. Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey. Congratulations Housing Choices Australia on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.
Commencing an Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey. It is a time to build strong foundations and relationships, ensuring sustainable, thoughtful, and impactful RAP outcomes into the future. Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement. This Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an invitation for Housing Choices Australia to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders. By investigating and understanding the integral role it plays across its sphere of influence, Housing Choices Australia will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes, supported by and aligned with its business objectives. An Innovate RAP is the time to strengthen and develop the connections that form the lifeblood of all RAP commitments.
Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia
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Message from the Chair
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to introduce Housing Choices Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This is our second RAP and it represents our organisation’s next and important step towards reconciliation. Our Innovate RAP builds on our vision and enduring commitment for reconciliation as outlined in our Reflect RAP which was completed in 2022. This vision sees a future in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people share in an equitable, prosperous, and rewarding future. Through the initiatives outlined in our Innovate RAP, we will continue to collaborate and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, partners, and communities. We are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are seeking housing or living in Housing Choices’ homes feel welcome and are confident that our services are culturally safe. We have prepared our Innovate RAP based on what we have achieved to date, recognising the changes since 2022 in order to select our future goals and objectives to enrich economic, social and cultural outcomes. Our Innovate RAP respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights. Our Innovate RAP has been developed by employees across Housing Choices Australia with the support and direction of our RAP Committee and stakeholders. Finally, I would like to thank Reconciliation Australia for their ongoing support and guidance. Together we can achieve reconciliation.
Heather McCallum Chair, Housing Choices Australia
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Message from the CEO
I am very proud to present Housing Choices Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and to acknowledge the ongoing commitment from colleagues across the organisation towards reconciliation. Thanks to all who contributed to the development of this document. It builds on the learnings from our inaugural Reflect RAP and sets out our actions over the next two years. As our second RAP, this plan aims to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, guiding the development of respectful, positive, and culturally responsive relationships between our organisation and First Nations peoples across Australia. Housing Choices received formal endorsement of our inaugural Reflect RAP from Reconciliation Australia in September 2021. With this, we joined a network of more than 2,200 corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program. Colleagues have told me how being part of the RAP program has enriched Housing Choices. It has led to new relationships with Aboriginal organisations and deepened existing relationships. It has pushed us to think about how our actions contribute to reconciliation and it has made our organisation more inclusive, more meaningful, and more impactful.
In particular, the contributions of our RAP Committee and working groups have been vital. Through collaboration, this work has aided in transforming ideas into actions by setting deliverables and timelines that will continue to drive our reconciliation journey for years to come. In our inaugural year as a member of the RAP network, we committed to and delivered actions to increase our knowledge, learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, belief systems, truth-telling and acknowledgement. From celebrating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events around Australia, to embedding the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence Course as part of our mandatory training and development plan, colleagues have embraced the opportunities provided to participate in a range of initiatives to increase cultural competency as individuals, teams and as an organisation. Our Innovate RAP reaffirms our commitment to building strong and respectful relationships, governance and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities as we strive for a better future through our shared commitment to Voice, Truth and Treaty.
David Fisher Chief Executive Officer, Housing Choices Australia
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
About our business
Housing Choices Australia’s mission is to provide affordable homes, working with partners to create resilient and inclusive neighbourhoods. We believe that having a place to call home is a fundamental right. We recognise that forced colonisation, stolen lands, and the failure to negotiate treaties or provide constitutional and cultural recognition has an enduring impact on life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes impacting the opportunity for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a home they can call their own. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of this land and the urgent need for healing throughout Australia. Reconciliation Vision Our vision for reconciliation is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have homes and life opportunities they value, in neighbourhoods that are inclusive and resilient. We will work towards this through the housing we build, the services we provide, the workplaces we create and our support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations. We are committed to walking together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a better future through our shared commitment to Voice, Truth and Treaty. About Housing Choices Australia Housing Choices Australia (Housing Choices) is an independent, national, not- for-profit housing provider that delivers high quality, accessible and affordable housing for people who struggle to find a suitable home in Australia’s challenging private rental market. Our vision is to see “all people affordably housed in neighbourhoods that support life opportunities.” Established in 2008, Housing Choices is one of the largest community housing providers in Australia, with operations in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Western Australia. We currently manage 7,450 properties and accommodate more than 12,352 residents.
We work with residents, government agencies, support service partners and community organisations to deliver good housing for people disadvantaged by the private housing market. We work to create resilient, inclusive neighbourhoods across all our properties, providing residents with access to support services that will improve their health and wellbeing and to opportunities that will enhance their life circumstances. We employ more than 360 people in a range of disciplines including: tenancy management and support, property development and asset management, community development, resident engagement and intensive homelessness support for women. We also supply comprehensive corporate support services including finance, IT, human resources, compliance and risk, quality assurance, business planning and communications. Currently eight (or 2.6%) of our staff report as identifying as Aboriginal people. This is based on a voluntary staff diversity survey conducted by our People and Culture team during the induction process of new employees. We engage across the housing continuum with governments, the not-for- profit sector and the private sector, and work to positively influence these relationships in accordance with our mission and our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation with First Nations peoples.
Housing Choices Australia is a Group of Companies that includes the following entities:
• Housing Choices Australia Limited (parent entity) • Housing Choices Tasmania Limited • Housing Choices South Australia Limited • Housing Choices Western Australia Limited
• Housing Choices New South Wales Limited • Singleton Equity Housing Limited • Disability Housing Limited • Catherine House Incorporated • CHT Company Limited • Urban Choices Property Limited (affiliate)
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Our journey toward reconciliation Housing Choices commenced its reconciliation journey in May 2021 with the formation of our Reflect RAP Committee. In September 2021, our Reflect RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and we commenced working in earnest to embed reconciliation in our day-to-day work through: o identifying and building relationships to gain a stronger understanding of culture; o building cultural competency throughout our organisation to engender respect and to better understand and respond to the needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents; and o providing opportunities to work with Housing Choices and partner with the organisation in the business of social and affordable housing and responses to homelessness. Making a commitment and delivering actions to achieve a more equitable society for First Nations peoples has enriched Housing Choices in so many ways. Staff in the RAP Committee and right across the organisation have engaged in opportunities and activities to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, belief systems, truth-telling and acknowledgement. We developed new ways to engage with some of our Aboriginal residents and developed or deepened relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) or Aboriginal owned businesses. Since the launch of our Reflect RAP, the Committee has actioned a range of deliverables and our Innovate RAP will further these commitments to develop, test and embed our approach to reconciliation across the organisation. Throughout the year, First Nations’ community events including National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, National Sorry Day, and Mabo Day were acknowledged and recognised.
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
Painting Walkabout for Bush Tucke r by Leslie Pickett.
The meaning of these important milestones was also shared via internal communications, social media and through local activities with stakeholders across the states. Our communication channels were regularly updated with information and invitations for staff and residents to get involved with the program of activities. We provided the opportunity for staff to choose to work or celebrate the 26 January public holiday in a way that felt most appropriate for them and provided information about the growing momentum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament and a commitment to remain engaged in this process. The Board and Executive Leadership Team have publicly demonstrated their commitment to The Voice. A significant achievement was the launch of the Housing Choices Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols with an accompanying video featuring one of our First Nations colleagues. The Protocols aim to empower staff to undertake considered action in their ways of working that is culturally appropriate. The official launch of the Protocols in each state included staff morning teas and breakfast events, smoking ceremonies and Welcome to Country from First Nations Elders. During National Reconciliation Week celebrations, RAP Committee members led and attended a plethora of local events, including marches, cultural walks, and film viewings. During NAIDOC Week 2022 RAP Committee members and staff attended events including concerts, art shows and marches, while marketing materials and information were shared with staff across the organisation. True to one of Housing Choices’ core values of having residents at the centre of our work, residents were invited to get involved in all activities via social media posts and through resident newsletters. They joined us in a range of activities held across the states, including in South Australia, where more than 30 residents attended a basket weaving workshop with Marra Dreaming during NAIDOC Week. First Nations residents shared their stories via Housing Choices social media, resident newsletters, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols, the Housing Choices Times staff newsletter, and the Housing Choices Annual Report 2022-23 . First Nations residents’ artworks were purchased for local offices and imagery was used throughout communications.
One such work was by Ballardong resident and artist Sydney Phillips, who designed the painting used on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols document cover and featured on t-shirts designed and worn in Western Australia during National Reconciliation Week. During our Reflect RAP journey, we had the opportunity to reflect on the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, being a national organisation operating across five states. This was both an opportunity and a challenge as we work towards harmonising our services. A number of our deliverables were unable to be met, largely as a result of resourcing issues associated with a broad program to align our service model nationally, following a period of significant growth in the organisation. These have been identified in a report submitted to our Board in October 2023 and are highlighted in our Innovate RAP, in alignment with other strategic projects happening across the organisation. These deliverables were primarily associated with: - Finalising our draft National Engagement Strategy, including best practice principles for engagement and criteria for formal relationships. This document is in draft and will be completed as part of Deliverables 1.2 and 1.3 in the first half of 2024. - Reviewing key policies and procedures to identify opportunities for Housing Choices to be a more diverse and inclusive organisation. This work is being captured in our national Transformation Program that is aligning all our policies and procedures nationally to best practice and will include a cultural competence lens in the review work. - Review human resources policies and procedures to identify existing anti- discrimination provisions and recruitment policies and practices to ensure we are culturally inclusive. This work has commenced and will also constitute part of the national Transformation Program. During the lead up to the Referendum on the Voice to Parliament, we also felt grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with the RAP, for having a working environment that was able to engage in constructive and informed discourse on the issue and support each other through and after a challenging time for the nation. We are a better, more diverse, more reflective organisation for being on this journey and look forward to the Innovate RAP continuing with this momentum.
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Our stories Bronwyn’s artistry
Self-taught artist and Housing Choices resident Bronwyn is a Yamaji woman from the small mining town of Yalgoo, about 225km from Geraldton in Western Australia. Bronwyn became a Housing Choices WA tenant two years ago after Cyclone Seroja hit Mullewa, where she was living, and ripped the roof off her home leaving her and her six grandchildren homeless. “There were no properties in my hometown so I had to go to Perth where an advocate from Save the Children got me an interview with Holly [Housing Choices Tenancy Services Coordinator] and she said we can get housing for you,” Bronwyn said. “I went through the process, and I think I started crying, I was so happy for Holly to say that.” At home now in Gosnells, Bronwyn is a carer for up to six of her grandchildren who are all under the age of 16. When Bronwyn has a quiet moment, she sets up her kitchen table and paints, creating artwork connected to stories from her family and culture. “It brings me peace and I love seeing the different reactions people have to my art,” she said. Bronwyn first entered the WA Tenant Art Showcase in 2022 with Alex Kepes, Tenant Engagement and Capacity Building Officer, encouraging her to participate. Two of her paintings sold at the 2023 art show, which has given her the confidence to continue painting. She plans to apply for the Opportunities Fund, which assists tenants in achieving their education, training, employment, health and/or wellbeing goals. The fund will help Bronwyn purchase new canvases and art supplies to continue painting.
Bronwyn and her granddaughter Taysharn pictured with painting Boxing Roos .
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While Bronwyn has created many works over the years, her favourite is a painting that tells the story of her mum who was part of the Stolen Generation and grew up in the Wandering Mission, a WA home for Aboriginal children taken from their families. The artwork highlights the trauma that all races faced living in the missions, including the suffering United Kingdom migrant children experienced in being torn away from their family and sent to orphanages. Shadows in the painting represent the lost children, many who died in the missions or went missing, while the colours represent the different colours of skin of all races. Bronwyn’s oldest granddaughter, Taysharn, wants to follow in her footsteps. She has told her granddaughter: “You can do whatever you want to do as long as you complete school, school is a big thing for me.” Taysharn has begun learning to paint and has drawn her first sketches, which Bronwyn hopes will become her first piece of artwork.
Bushtucker by Bronwyn.
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Traineeship leads to new opportunity
Sarah never imagined herself working in community housing before she joined Housing Choices Western Australia (HCWA) last year. “I hadn’t seen myself working in this area, but I knew I wanted to work in community services and support people of diverse backgrounds,” she said. After being away from the workforce for a few years, she decided to take up the Aboriginal traineeship with HCWA, to complete her hours for the Certificate III in Community Services. Her mentor and HCWA Tenancy Services Manager encouraged her to take on the traineeship. Sarah says, “she encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.” Three months into the traineeship a permanent tenancy assistant position became available. Sarah decided to apply and was successful. “I loved working here and when the tenancy assistant role came up it was a great opportunity to be able to stay in the organisation,” says Sarah. “I wanted to learn new skills after having been away from work, it was a permanent role, and I loved the working environment and culture.” A normal workday for Sarah can involve anything from booking inspections, processing consent forms, organising payment plans with tenants, to organising Tenant Officer portfolios. Sarah explains, the most surprising aspect of her new position is how much detail goes into everything and how complex things can be.
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“I was surprised how much we are involved with the tenants, and I love this, it’s a major drawcard for me.” Sarah loves working with people from all different backgrounds, situations, and complexities and that HCWA helps and supports everyone without discriminating. “I love working in this organisation, the people, our message and what we deliver and provide which is forever homes to people that are struggling. It is really rewarding.” Her goal is to learn as much as she can in her current role to give her the confidence to move into a tenancy officer position if the opportunity arises in the future. In her time outside of work, Sarah is an amazing artist. The interest in painting came from the need to connect with her culture. “My mum is Aboriginal and part of the Stolen Generation, I wanted to learn more about my culture, find the connection I had lost. I started painting and realised I was good at it.” Sarah paints a couple of hours each week and says, “it relaxes me, fills my soul and connects me to land and dreamtime.” Her paintings are inspired by stories that come from the land that are passed down. For NAIDOC Week, Sarah ran a painting workshop with HCWA staff. She says, “it will be great to share stories with everyone and to connect with Aboriginal culture.” To thank her mentor for all her support, Sarah did a painting. “The artwork represents us meeting, my journey and how much I have grown because of her encouragement and support. She helped me to take the opportunity and if it wasn’t for her support, I wouldn’t have had the courage.”
Painting by artist and HCWA Tenancy Assistant, Sarah.
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
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Working toward our Innovate RAP The Innovate RAP is the next stage in the RAP Framework. Our actions must be aligned to enable our vision. This means creating new housing supply and increasing access to existing housing while ensuring cultural safety as an employer, as a service provider, and in our partnerships and our procurement. The Innovate RAP is a two-year plan, with mandatory deliverables required by Reconciliation Australia to support Housing Choices to gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and establish the best approach to advance our vision for reconciliation by: o developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and peoples; o engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation; and o developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We now have an internal Innovate RAP Committee in place, with co-chairs from our senior leadership team to ensure momentum is maintained in delivering on our commitments. Our Committee includes representation from one of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, to whom we will listen and who we value, but we commit not to rely on to do the heavy lifting in this plan. The heavy lifting is for all of us to do. We will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to have a direct voice to our Board to ensure their experiences are being heard and considered. Following the disappointing outcome of the 2023 Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, Housing Choices reaffirms its commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through this Innovate RAP.
Children at the 2024 WA First Nations Family Fun Day.
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Governance
RAP Sponsor
Chief Executive Officer
General Manager, WA Manager Service Performance & Standards, Catherine House, SA
RAP Co-Chairs
RAP Secretariat
Executive Officer, Tenancy Assistant, WA
General Manager, VIC Housing Officer, TAS Tenancy Subject Matter Expert, SA Tenancy Assistant, SA Corporate Communications Manager Media and Advocacy Advisor Tenancy Officer, WA Community Service Worker, Catherine House, SA Assistant Development Manager, VIC Manager Tenant Engagement & Capacity Building, WA
RAP Committee Members
RAP Co-Chairs will work with the Board on the Innovate RAP.
We would also like to acknowledge the work of our former Committee members, who are either no longer on the RAP Committee or no longer with Housing Choices Australia.
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
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Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ron “Ringo” Terrick at Housing Choices Melbourne office for Reconciliation Week.
Broadening and deepening our relationships
A range of First Nations stakeholders have been involved in our service delivery, identifying opportunities for improvement and hosting and attending events and activities. Throughout the year, we have consulted, collaborated and joined with more than 20 First Nations organisations across the country, including supporting the development of Noongar Housing First Principles with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing organisation in WA. In Victoria, Housing Choices has established a relationship with an Aboriginal co-operative, supporting them towards registration as a registered housing agency and sharing our development expertise in preparation for grant funding submissions for new housing supply. As we implement our Innovate RAP actions, these relationships with First Nations stakeholders will broaden and deepen, in the communities where we work. Due to the geographical spread of our service, and the many, many traditional lands on which we work and provide homes and services, we will continue to seek place-based advice of external partners and stakeholders where we can see or become aware that we need it.
1 & 7 - Celebration in Western Australia for Reconciliation Week
2, 6 & 12 - First Nations Family Fun Day events held in Western Australia
3 & 8 - A Smoking Ceremony to launch Nightingale Bowden in South Australia
4 - Resident artist Allira at our WA Tenant Art Show
5 - SA resident Keith with Maureen from Spirit in Unity
9 - WA Tenancy Assistant Sarah Stack at the 2023 Sisters Inside 10th International Conference in Brisbane
10 - A dancer at the Tasmanian Harmony Week event
11 - Celebrating Reconciliation Week in Victoria
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Relationships OUR COMMITMENTS
Meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are vital for us to fulfil our mission to create resilient and inclusive communities. Relationship building with our residents, staff and partners is at the heart of everything we do.
Relationships
• Developing a robust, resilient, and agile organisation • Transforming the resident experience • Growing our impact and influence • Implementing innovation
Focus areas
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
1.1 Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement based on research undertaken in our Reflect RAP.
General Manager Strategic Communications
September 2024
1.2 Finalise and implement a national engagement plan to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
General Manager Strategic Communications
August 2024
1. Establish and build mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations learning from them about how to improve our services
1.3 Formalise our partnership with Aboriginal Housing Victoria to deliver more housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
General Manager Property Development
June 2024
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
1.4 Expand yarning-style action learning to all states.
July 2024
1.5 Respond to specific requests from yarning groups to undertake at least one project in each state.
October 2024
State General Manager
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Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
1.6 Consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and other stakeholders to develop an accurate picture of our residents’ culture to help us work towards providing a culturally sensitive service 1.7 Train staff so they are confident and skilled in asking people about their cultural background in a sensitive and appropriate manner. 1.8 Adapt our data collection and processes to improve its accuracy and consistency (following on from work undertaken in our Reflect RAP).
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
June 2025
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
December 2024
1. Establish and build mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations learning from them about how to improve our services
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
April 2025
1.9 Develop feedback mechanisms and accountability so that feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents can be considered and responded to by senior decision makers within the organisation.
April 2025
Manager Tenant Engagement
1.10 Develop a set of tools for staff to undertake relationship building with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
March 2025
General Manager People and Culture
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Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
2.1 Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff.
General Manager Strategic Communications
April 2024 and April 2025
2.2 RAP Committee members to participate in an external NRW event.
27 May - 3 June 2024 27 May - 3 June 2025
RAP co-chairs
2 Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
2.3 Encourage and support staff and senior leaders to participate in at least one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.
May 2024 and May 2025 State General Manager
2.4 Organise at least one NRW event each year.
May 2024 and May 2025 State General Manager
2.5 Register all our NRW events on Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website.
May 2024 and May 2025 RAP Chairs
3.1 Communicate our commitment to reconciliation to our residents, stakeholders and the general public.
General Manager Strategic Communications
November 2024
3.2 Implement and review the effectiveness of our staff engagement strategy to raise awareness of reconciliation across our workforce.
January 2025 and January 2026
3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence
General Manager People and Culture
3.3 Collaborate with RAP organisations and other like-minded organisations to develop innovative approaches to advance reconciliation.
April 2026
Chief Executive Officer
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Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence
3.4 Identify and work with contractors and suppliers who have demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation.
April 2026
General Manager National Assets
4.1 Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions and future needs - recruitment and leave, in particular (link to deliverables 7.2, 8.1).
January 2025
General Manager People and Culture
4.2 Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and advisors in the development of our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in each state, based on our Diversity and Inclusion in our Services Policy.
September 2024
State General Manager
4. Address racism and discrimination and promote positive race relations
4.3 Continue to integrate conversations about reconciliation based on truth and equity and the effects of racism with senior leaders and Board.
Executive General Manager Strategy People and Performance
February 2025
General Manager Strategic Communications
4.4 Document our engagement and actions to measure our impact.
April 2026
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
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Respect OUR COMMITMENTS
Housing Choices is committed to ongoing cultural learning and awareness raising to restore deserved respect and dignity to Australia’s First Nations peoples across the community. Our mantra of “act local” “think national” addresses our commitment to restoring respect as individuals with a view to helping to advance the restoration of national pride for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through understanding, appreciation, acknowledgement, learning, success, and celebration.
Respect
• Developing a robust, resilient, and agile organisation • Transforming the resident experience • Growing our impact and influence • Implementing innovation
Focus Area
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
5.1 Consult local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors to inform development of a cultural awareness and learning strategy.
November 2024
General Manager People and Culture
5. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through a variety of cultural learning
5.2 Implement a cultural awareness and learning strategy that incorporates cultural learning needs within our learning and development reviews across the organisation.
February 2026
General Manager People and Culture
5.3 Provide opportunities for RAP Committee members, people managers and other key leadership staff to participate in formal and structured cultural learning.
February 2026
General Manager People and Culture
5.4 Refresh our review of cultural learning needs across the organisation, as our RAP initiatives progress.
March 2026
General Manager People and Culture
24
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
6.1 Increase staff understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural protocols by incorporating our HCA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols document in induction and annual refresher training.
6. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols
August 2024
General Manager People and Culture
6.2 Continue to invite a local Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or other appropriate cultural protocol at significant events each year.
April 2026
State General Manager
6.3 Continue to include an Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of important meetings. 6.4 Include plaque or other appropriate signage on all HCA new buildings to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the building is situated.
August 2024 and August 2025
State General Manager
6. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols
August 2024 and August 2025
General Manager Property Development
6.5 Investigate the possibility of Smoking Ceremonies being held in new HCA buildings.
September 2024
State General Manager
6.6 Review and refresh our HCA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols document, with input from stakeholders.
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
January 2026
7.1 RAP Committee to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event.
July 2024 and July 2025 RAP Chairs
7. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week
7.2 Review HR policies and procedures to remove barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week.
February 2024 and February 2025
General Manager People and Culture
7.3 Promote and encourage participation in external NAIDOC events to all staff.
July 2024 and July 2025 State General Manager
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
25
OUR COMMITMENTS
Opportunities
Housing Choices is committed to creating and building on existing opportunities for First Nations peoples, organisations and communities. Through our procurement and recruitment processes and community partnerships our business will be enriched by cultural diversity. Providing opportunities for safe and affordable housing provides better outcomes and supports life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Opportunities
• Developing a robust, resilient and agile organisation • Growing our impact and influence • Implementing innovation
Focus Area
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
8.1 Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on our recruitment, retention and professional development strategy 8.2 Continue to build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future employment and professional development opportunities. 8.3 Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development strategy that sets achievable targets around recruitment and retention. 8.4 Implement HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace (link to Deliverable 4.1).
January 2025
General Manager People and Culture
8. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention, and professional development
November 2025
General Manager People and Culture
March 2025
General Manager People and Culture
May 2025
General Manager People and Culture
8. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention, and professional development
8.5 Advertise job vacancies to effectively reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
September 2024
General Manager People and Culture
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
9.1 Employ an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander consultant to review and update our policies and procedures.
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
July 2024
9.2 Resource staff to meaningfully participate in the review of policies and procedures as part of the process to embed change into practice
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
September 2024
9. Improve the delivery of housing and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents
9.3 Implement a training and information plan to ensure newly reviewed policies are integrated into day-to-day practice.
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services
August 2024
9.4 Establish KPI measures to provide a feedback loop about how effective our efforts in this area are.
July 2024
Manager Tenant Engagement
9.5 Work collaboratively with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community housing providers to explore how we can support self-determination (link to Deliverable 1.2) in the sector, providing choice and pathways for residents who want to be housed by Aboriginal run and staffed organisations. 9.6 Explore partnership opportunities with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) and Indigenous Community Housing Organisations (ICHO) in each jurisdiction, with a focus on supporting supply of appropriate housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 9.7 Investigate best practice housing design, including common design and building fabric issues relevant to the housing needs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; incorporate relevant principles into the Housing Choices Australia Design Guidelines.
April 2026
State General Manager
9. Improve the delivery of housing and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents
April 2026
State General Manager
General Manager Property Development
November 2025
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
27
Action
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
9.8 Seek opportunities to learn from the experiences of ACCO and ACHO partner organisations in each jurisdiction (e.g., learnings from Aboriginal Housing Victoria). 9.9 Investigate existing programs in HCA jurisdictions that present opportunities to create housing supply for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 10.1 Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Procurement Strategy that proactively supports majority owned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. 10.2 Review and update procurement practices to actively seek procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses as part of our Procurement Strategy.
April 2026
General Manager National Assets
9. Improve the delivery of housing and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents
April 2026
General Manager National Assets
May 2025
Chief Commercial Officer
10. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
May 2025
Chief Commercial Officer
10.3 Develop commercial relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses as part of our Procurement Strategy.
May 2025
Chief Commercial Officer
10.4 Communicate opportunities for procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to staff as part of our Procurement Strategy.
May 2025
Chief Commercial Officer
10.5 Trial the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander placemaking consultants on development projects.
General Manager Property Development
November 2024
10. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
10.6 Embed Supply Nation membership including for design and construction contractors who can support HCA development projects and use findings to inform HCA Procurement Strategy.
General Manager Property Development
November 2024
28
Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
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