Our pathway to reconciliation
Housing Choices commenced its reconciliation journey in May 2021 with the formation of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee. In September 2021, our Reflect RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and we commenced working in earnest to embed reconciliation into our day-to-day work.
Two years on, Housing Choices is pleased to announce that we are working with Reconciliation Australia on the endorsement of our Innovate RAP. Through our Innovate RAP Housing Choices has made a commitment to building on the foundations of our Reflect RAP and delivering actions to achieve a more equitable society for First Nations people. Already our RAP journey has enabled sta right across the organisation to engage in opportunities and activities to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, belief systems, truth telling and acknowledgement. We have developed new ways to engage with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and developed or deepened relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal-owned businesses. Since the launch of our Reflect RAP, the RAP Committee has actioned a range of deliverables and our Innovate RAP will further these commitments to develop, test and embed our approach to reconciliation. We have marked and celebrated significant First Nations’ milestones including Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC, National Sorry Day, and Mabo Day and provided our sta across the nation with the choice to continue to work or to celebrate the 26th January public holiday in a way that they feel comfortable. During National Reconciliation Week RAP members led and attended a range of local events, including marches, cultural walks, and film viewings. All our sta heard from a range of passionate and informative speakers across the country who spoke about the need for a First Nations Voice to Parliament and encouraged us all to think about how our vote might bring about positive change.
During NAIDOC Week RAP members and sta attended events including concerts, art shows and marches, while marketing materials and information were shared with sta 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 platforms and First Nations residents’ artworks were purchased for local o ces and imagery was used throughout communications. Practical solutions to Closing the Gap around employment-related targets were shared when sta joined First Nations corporate leaders and entrepreneurs for the 2023 First Nations Employment and Leadership Forum. The event explored ways to create a safe, supportive and engaging space for First Nations people and to deepen understanding of First Nations culture. It looked at ways to build adaptable, cross-industry tools to improve recruitment and retention of First Nations sta . We are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who work in or with our organisation, or who are seeking housing or living in Housing Choices’ homes, feel welcome and are confident that our services are culturally safe.
Painting by artist and Housing Choices WA Tenancy Assistant, Sarah Stack: “this represents my mother’s country, where she is from, her roots, the southwest. Sadly my mother has passed and I painted this piece as a tribute to her and her connection to her country and culture.” .
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Annual Report 2022-23
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