Rural Lifestyle Options Australia Magazine Issue 12

REFLECT our update on reconciliation

As an organisation, we understand that reconciliation is about strengtheningrelationshipsbetween Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. Over the course of the past six months, we have held events interstate to garner a deeper understanding of what is required to create a more just, equitable and reconciled Australia, in the communities in which we operate. On Thursday 21 March 2019, for the third year running, Rural Lifestyle Options Australia held a morning tea in support of Closing The Gap Day. This day aims to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, educational achievement and employment outcomes. Our Northern Rivers Main Office and Scenic Rim Service Hub were proud to hold events in support of this day, with attendees encouraged to sign a petition which called on the Australian Government to get behind Aboriginal Community Controlled Health.

Monday 27May toMonday 3 June 2019markedNational Reconciliation Week. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-tellingabout Australia's colonial history. National Reconciliation Week calls on all Australians to learn about the shared histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. This year's theme was 'Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage'. To recognise this important week, events were held at both our Northern Rivers Main Office and Scenic Rim Service Hub. Attendees were asked to reflect on what reconciliation meant to them, and asked to share their vision of what a reconciled Australia looked like to them. As an organisation, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Rural LifestyleOptions Australia aspire to develop and pilot innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the communities in which we operate. We are currently in the process of developing the Innovate phase of our Reconciliation Action Plan, which is overseen by our RAP Working Group, and outlines actions that work toward achieving our organisation's unique vision for reconciliation.

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