Reconciliation Action Plan
REFLECT REFLECT
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
JULY 2024 - JULY 2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA
STATEMENT
CEO STATEMENT
OUR BUSINESS
OUR RAP
OUR PARTNERSHIPS/CURRENT ACTIVITIES RELATIONSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES
Acknowledgementof Country
Big Group Hug acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Bunurong and Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, on which we are located.
We pay our respects to their Elders both past, present and emerging and their continued connection to land, sea, and community.
We care for all bubups, children, and young people on these lands and ensure they are protected from the adverse effects of disadvantage.
I look forward to achieving the actions in this Reconciliation Action Plan and the positive impact it will make towards reconciliation of the nation, the positive impact to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to Big Group Hug as we continue to work with our community to respond to the immediate material needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families
Bernadene Voss, CEO Big Group Hug
Our business
Our Vision
For people to work together to protect every young person in Australia from the adverse effects of disadvantage.
what we do
Our mission
To mobilise community support to respond to the immediate needs of young people, particularly vulnerable children and their families.
Big Group Hug is an organisation serving local communities to tackle child poverty We help vulnerable children who are living in crisis by distributing essential items in times of need We’re committed to
Our RAP
Our Vision
Big Group Hug’s vision for reconciliation is to incorpor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples We also Islander peoples are not just victims of historical and o and leaders in our communities. Big Group Hug will p people with a platform to share their stories and persp genuine reconciliation and empowering Aboriginal an
Our RAP
Our Vision
Our CEO, Bernadene Voss is our RAP Champion and is dedicated to driving and championing internal engagement and awareness of the RAP. Our Board of Governance is fully committed to this process.
Our Pa Curre
We have partnered wi support and provide re Torres Strait Islander p
Victorian Aborigina
Djirra
Elizabeth Morgan H
Victorian Aborigina (VACSAL)
Victorian Aborigina
d children in
Relationships
Relationships
Action Deliverable
Timeline Responsibility
1 Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence.
Research best practice and principles that support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff / Volunteers (workforce) prior to NRW
August 2024
• Relationship Development Coordinator
September 2024
• Relationship Development Coordinator
2 Build relationships
May 2025
• Request and Volunteer Coordinator
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
Relationships
3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence
Communicate our commitment to reconciliation to all staff August 2024
Identify two connected organisations that have a Reflect RAP and collaborate on an agreed action November 2024
Identify other likeminded organisations that we could approach to collaborate with on November 2024
• CEO
• Relationship Development Coordinator
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
• Relationship Development Coordinator
• CEO
• CEO
RESPECT
Respect
Action
5 Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.
Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation. October 2024
Develop a business case for increasing understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights within our November 2024
• Request and Volunteer Coordinator
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
• Request and Volunteer Coordinator
RESPECT
Respect
7 Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week
Raise awareness and share information amongst our staff about the meaning of NAIDOC Week
Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting external events in our local area.
RAP Working Group to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event
June, July 2025 • CEO
June 2025
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
First week in July, annually • CEO
Opportunities
8 Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development
Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within our organisation
Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future employment and professional development opportunities
Develop a business f t
November 2024
• Volunteering Manager
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
November 2024
• Volunteering Manager
9
• Relationship Development Coordinator
• Request and Volunteer Coordinator
GOVERNance
Action
10. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.
Deliverable
Maintain a RWG to govern RAP implementation.
Review draft Terms of Reference for the RWG.
Establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RWG.
Define resource needs for RAP implementation
Timeline Responsibility
August 2024
• Relationship Development Coordinator
November 2024 • CEO
November 2024
• Request and Volunteer Coordinator
• CEO
October 2024
• Manager Fundraising & Communications
Engage senior leaders in the delivery of RAP commitments August 2024 • CEO
11 Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.
Appoint a senior leader to champion our RAP internally August 2024 • CEO
Define appropriate systems and capability to track, measure and report on RAP commitments.
December 2024
• Operations Director
GOVERNance
12 Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally
Contact Reconciliation Australia to verify that our primary and secondary contact details are up to date, to ensure we do not miss out on important RAP correspondence
Contact Reconciliation Australia to request our unique link, to access the online RAP Impact Survey
Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Survey to Reconciliation Australia
June Annually
• CEO
1 August annually
• Operations Director
30 September, annually • Operations Director
13 Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.
Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP.
April 2025
• Manager of Communications and Fundraising
BIG GROUP HUG
ABN 91 601 570 585 PO Box 5027, Keon Park 3073
12/337 Settlement road, Thomastown VIC 3074
4/29 Hawker Street, Airport West VIC 3042 2 Goddard Street, Tarneit VIC 3029
info@biggrouphug.org.au biggrouphug org au/rap
For more information: Feona Wadsworth
Relationship Development Coordinator feona@biggrouphug org 0492 933 247
A proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyul Nyul, and Yawuru woman, Bobbi is renowned for her vibrant use of colour and unique style 2021 NAIDOC Artist of the Year, she draws inspiration from the stunning Pilbara landscapes and her deep connection to her community and heritage. Bobbi's work spans art, fashion, and photography, often highlighting social justice issues, including Indigenous and women's rights. We thank Bobbi for sharing her beautiful work. www bobbilockyer com
