The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has added its voice to the national effort to achieve reconciliation with Australia’s Indigenous people, launching a Reconciliation Action Plan to guide all aspects of its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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The plan released today includes Indigenous employment and professional development, procurement of products/services from Indigenous businesses, interactions with Indigenous clients seeking social assistance, and the Society’s accountability for performance.
“We seek to be reconciliation leaders in the non-governmental sector and use our reputation and influence to advocate for stronger recognition and respect for Australia’s First Peoples,” said the Executive Officer of the Society’s Lismore Central Conference, Michael Timbrell.
“We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ageless connection with the land, and believe it of paramount importance to develop strong working partnerships with Indigenous communities in our region.”
Mr Timbrell said Vinnies runs a diversity of social support programs throughout the North Coast, including breakfast and after-school programs with strong attendance by children from Aboriginal families. In addition, a number of Aboriginal people work as volunteers in Vinnies retail shops.
“We will be discussing the Society’s Reconciliation Action Plan with community leaders from the Biripi, Dainggatti, Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Nations to seek advice on how best the commitments in the plan can be implemented.
“The plan is the result of a lengthy process that involved considerable input from Indigenous people within the Society and the broader community. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts.
“This is a true milestone for us, and we are committed to making the Reconciliation Action Plan a roadmap for developing a more inclusive organisation that contributes to what we hope will become a more just nation.”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Reconciliation Action Plan is at: vinnies.org.au/rap