Community Gro Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2023 (RAP)

Table of Contents Content

Pa ge

Acknowledgement to Country

1

Message from Reconciliation Australia

2

Message from CEO Kathrin Meehan

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Our Artist

4

Our RAP Artwork

5

Our Business

6

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

7

Our Programs / NAIDOC Activities

8

Stakeholders – Networking / Partnership

9

Relationships

10

Respect

11

Opportunities

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Governance

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Acknowledgement of Country Community Gro acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia and their connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them, their culture and to the Elders past, present and emerging.

We particularly acknowledge the Wulgurukaba and Bindal people on whose land Community Gro Inc. is located.

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Message from Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia welcomes Community Gro Incorporated to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. Community Gro Incorporated joins a network of more than 1,100 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program.

Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement. The program’s potential for impact is greater than ever, with close to 3 million people now working or studying in an organisation with a RAP. The four RAP types — Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate — allow RAP partners to continuously develop and strengthen reconciliation commitments in new ways. This Reflect RAP will lay the foundations, priming the workplace for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.

The RAP program’s strength is its framework of relationships, respect, and opportunities, allowing an organisation to strategically set its reconciliation commitments in line with its own business objectives, for the most effective outcomes.

These outcomes contribute towards the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance.

It is critical to not only uphold all five dimensions of reconciliation, but also increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and leadership across all sectors of Australian society.

This Reflect RAP enables Community Gro Incorporated to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions. Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.

Congratulations Community Gro Incorporated, welcome to the RAP program, and I look forward to following your reconciliation journey in the years to come.

Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia

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Message from the CEO I am delighted to be in the position to participate in and lead the first Community Gro Reconciliation Action Plan.

Reconciliation is a focus of our programs and services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all aspects of our work. This Reconciliation Action Plan provides Community Gro staff with a framework for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to empower change in our community.

This plan is a message to our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, places, and cultures matter at Community Gro. More importantly, we will be visible, active, and accountable in our commitment to play a part in a reconciled community. Our Reconciliation Action Plan will be an active document that will guide our actions, decisions, and processes at Community Gro. This Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan will be the first in our journey of reconciliation. Community Gro will continue to stand alongside and learn from First Nations Peoples in our community.

Kathrin Meehan Chief Executive Officer

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Our Artist Sharon Phineasa

Sharon Phineasa is a descendant of the Ait-Koedal (Crocodile) and Dhoeybaw (Wild Yam) clans of Saibai and Dauan Islands in the Top Western Torres Straits, and because of her deep sense of love and respect for my tribal ancestry and cultural heritage, this drives Sharon to create works of art that is the preservation of these important aspects of her ancestral heritage.

The source of Sharon’s inspiration would be the Kulba Adithil (old stories) of myths and legends passed on to her by Island Elders, especially by her Grandfather who carved traditional artefacts. Childhood experiences on the islands have also provided Sharon with countless stories to draw upon.

“I feel a great responsibility to pass on the knowledge and stories that have been passed on to me, through artistic expression and on many occasions, I have felt a strong connection to my ancestors as I have told their stories through this means.”

On the other hand, Sharon said that the advantage also of being raised “down south” is where the contemporary style influences her art.

Currently living and working in Townsville with her husband and children, she continues to find time in her busy life to take time out and to re-connect with her creativity “not just for myself, but on behalf of my ancestors” says Sharon, “their hope and dreams live on in us and this is our responsibility to continue to keep our culture strong in all aspects of our lives.”

Some of Art Exhibitions: 2022 Australian National Museum Connection: Songlines from Australia's First Peoples 2022 Diabetes QLD artwork 2021 Community Gro artwork 2021 NAPL RAP Plan Art 2020 Salvation Army “Making It Happen” artwork 2016 North QLD Cowboys – Winning design for the NRL Indigenous Round Jersey 2016 UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater: Existence touring exhibition 2015 UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater: Existence touring exhibition 2014 UMI Arts - Freshwater Saltwater: Existence touring exhibition 2014 Indigenous Fashion Week, Akin Collection, Sydney 05

Our RAP Artwork Created by Sharon Phineasa

“Mura Kaymel Zageth” (Kala Kawaw Ya dialect meaning - Our Work Together) This artwork is dedicated to Community Gro’s work providing for Community members in need of support and access to essential services. Community Gro assists in empowering people’s lives, Working together with individuals and families from across all cultures, abilities and ages in the Townsville community.

The Circle Community Gro’s logo with inner circle design representing the organisation’s connection to community. It is a meeting place and is a welcoming space for community members to socialise with others across cultures, abilities and ages.

The Flowers The hibiscus and frangipani flowers represent blossoming of individuals/families as Community Gro supports their educational, financial and emotional well-being. It also is a symbol of celebration when people are empowered to make life changing choices and succeed in areas of their lives that Community Gro has assisted them - whether it be with community education on use of computers; completing resumes and job applications; and parenting, financial and life education programs.

The Water Furthermore, the body of water that is present in this design references the Ross River that flows through Townsville.

The Turtles The turtles are symbolic of individuals or families on life’s journey and overcoming challenges and obstacles. The circle motifs represent food sources and how Community Gro provides food relief to families in need.

The Tree The tree depicted as a family and Community Gro logo in amongst the leaf's references Community Gro’s commitment to delivering holistic services and support necessary to ensure safety, financial wellbeing and life changing opportunities.

These aspects are an integral part of Community Gro providing positive growth and development within our community.

Community Gro supports grass roots level support for individuals and families by providing essential services and to empower them to make informed decisions and explore opportunities for development.

The Dots The black, red, yellow & white dots along the top boarders and around the tree represent Community Gro’s progressive momentum in working alongside Indigenous staff & community members in positive outreach and support programs where they are needed.

Flora The leaf designs and other motifs in this space are symbolic of growth, opportunities and the ebb and flow in life. It also shows how Community Gro provides all kinds of support to people across the life cycle in Townsville: Information, advice, referral and advocacy; practical support including food relief and help with household items; and somebody who will listen.

Boomerang The Boomerang & Dhari designs represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, many of which access support services through Community Gro centres in Townsville.

These centre's have Indigenous staff who provide support in culturally appropriate ways.

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Our Business

Community Gro is a well-established not-for-profit organisation that has been serving its local community since 1979. We have a proven track record engaging and working with people experiencing barriers and people from diverse backgrounds. We currently assist 38,000 individuals and families annually through Community Gro programs and services. Most programs and services fit within the scope of access, inclusion and education. We were recently successful in securing a federal Connected Beginnings grant to improve the preparation of Indigenous children for the transition to school through integrated early childhood service delivery. As well, we value our working relationship and communicate regularly with our funding partners.

Community Gro believes in a safe and equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. Our values that underpin our operation is as follows: • Collaboration – We value collaboration and are committed to working with those who share our values. Together we are stronger and contribute more, leading to greater outcomes.

• Guidance – We value guidance, and we aim to inspire, motivate and encourage others by walking alongside them.

• Diversity – We value the diversity of culture, gender, ability and perspectives. Acceptance and inclusion are crucial to our success.

• Initiative – We value initiative by approaching all that we do with a sense of ownership and responsibility and by modelling effective self-management strategies.

• Growth – We value growth in that we aim to expand our influence in the community and to continuously look towards ways we can continue to stain and improve, both personally and professionally.

Community Gro is committed to delivering holistic services and support necessary to ensure safety, financial wellbeing and life changing opportunities within our community. We do this through a range of programs developed in partnership with the community. Our quality services are provided by both paid and unpaid staff through best practice principles. Our community services are delivered through Centre's that provide a welcoming meeting place where anyone can come to gather, obtain information, support, referrals, and access to resources. We are committed to minimising the risk of family breakdown from social and economic pressures.

Community Gro has two sites, the Garbutt Community Centre and the Upper Ross Community Centre. We employee 30 staff and approximately 20 volunteers across the two sites. Our services are focused on supporting the Townsville community, with a particular focus on Garbutt and Upper Ross areas. Community Gro staffing consists of between 50%- 60% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. We are well known in the community as providing support to all and support the needs of the community.

Our board of governance, two of whom identify as Aboriginal, consists of seven skilled professionals including a qualified CPA, solicitor and community justice officer. They are supported by a highly qualified and experienced executive team who all hold degree level and postgraduate qualifications in social sciences, education, business and community services.

Combined they have over 75 years’ experience working in the community and education sectors. Staff qualifications and experience range from Bachelor of Social Work to Cert IV in Community Service and a range of years of experience in working with community.

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Our RAP

Why are we developing a RAP?

Community Gro is developing a RAP to strengthen respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and progress meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by: • providing a cultural safe workplace that values and respects the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; • seeking new opportunities with stakeholders to effectively deliver services through stronger partnerships and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

How do we intend to approach implementing our RAP?

The RAP working group will consult with Traditional Owners on development of plan and meet with stakeholders, employees and volunteers to: • feedback status of RAP plan, • collaborate on expectations of plan, • develop principles based on Community Gro’s vision and values and aligned to core business and activities, • create a comprehensive list of stakeholders, • ensure actions and deliverables are measurable • draft plan and present for feedback.

The Rap Committee will meet regularly to ensure the RAP remains active and meeting objectives.

Our Reconciliation Journey

Community Gro contributes to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People by: • consulting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the design and delivery of projects; ensuring relevant community elders are consulted in the development of projects and support the projects – Connected Beginnings Program, • actively participating and raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues in forums, meetings, events and conferences that relate to early education, health and support services for families, • seeking out appropriate Traditional Owners to deliver Welcome to Country and • ensuring entertainment is culturally appropriate at community events sponsored by Community Gro, • establishing a Cultural Staff Committee • empowering women in community - Shield of H.E.R.S, • mentoring disengaged students at Kelso Primary School, • providing a safe place and environment for youth to make positive choices – Youth Drop In • empowering men to face and break barriers to say it is OK – The Warrior Within

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Our Programs

Community Visitors Scheme – coordination and matching of volunteers to aged care residents.

Connected Beginnings – aims to close the gap on the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children 0-5 years in early education and health services by focusing on systemic changes.

HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) – empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers as the child’s (4-5 year old) first teacher.

NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) – provides safe, fair and affordable loans for people on low incomes.

Shield of H.E.R.S. (Honour-Empower-Respect-Survive) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women empowerment group.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work – provides integrated learner support to job seekers while undertaking a nationally recognised qualification.

The Warrior Within – a men’s self help group offering support and mentoring to each other.

Tiddas Yarning Circle – yarning circle for women and information sessions on current issues affecting families in community.

Townsville West Communities for Children - Growing Deadly Families - supporting the development and wellbeing of children aged 0-12 years as well as providing programs and individual support to increase the family’s ability to provide their children with a healthy start.

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic (visiting Service)– provides child check ups and referrals to specialist care.

Upper Ross Community Connect Program – provides counselling, information, advice and referrals in areas of health, well-being, homelessness, domestic and family violence, finance, drugs, alcohol and gambling.

Upper Ross Community Gro Midwives Clinic (visiting service) – provides antenatal care services.

Upper Ross Family Support Hub – provides parenting education, information and support for families with children aged 0-8 years includes connections and referrals to specialist agencies. Playgroup for 0-4 years.

Upper Ross Youth Hub - provides a safe space for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an opportunity to foster positive relationships with each other, staff and mentors.

NAIDOC Activities Community Gro participates in the NAIDOC week celebrations by: • supporting participation of staff in community activities, • sponsoring community events, • inviting community members to centre to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Community Gro is providing auspicing, sponsorship, support and guidance for Townsville’s 2022 NAIDOC Week.

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Stakeholders Networking

Indigenous Network Group led by Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships – attending and presenting to network group of social and business service providers.

PCYC – liaising to open space for community activities to increase participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Upper Ross Early Childhood Education Network led by Connected Beginnings, Community Gro – facilitating meetings with primary schools and community/private and public educators on closing the gap for participation in early education.

Upper Ross Early Childhood and Health YALGA – mentoring for youth on identity.

Yumba Meta – referring families who require accommodation.

Partnerships Baptist Church – Memorandum of Understanding for Community Garden and Meeting Place Brotherhood of St Lawrence – Facilitating Partner in delivering tutoring services to parents as the first teachers.

FEAT (Family, Emergency Accommodation Townsville) – Facilitating Partner in providing housing and support for families with children.

Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service – Memorandum of Understanding to deliver Youth intervention program.

Qld Health, Child Health Clinic - Memorandum of Understanding for outreach services.

Qld Health, Midwife Clinic - Memorandum of Understanding for outreach services..

Qld Communities, Disability Services and Seniors – Service Agreement to deliver community services.

Aust Government, Department of Human Resources - Families and Communities Program Strong and Resilient Communities – Service Agreement Shine for Kids – Facilitating Partner – Grant Smith Family – Facilitating Partner – Grant Qld Communities, Housing and Digital Economies – Mobile outreach services.

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Relationships

1. Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.

2. Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.

4. Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.

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Respect 5. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.

6. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.

7. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.

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Opportunities 8. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.

9. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development.

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Governance 10. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.

11. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.

12. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.

13. Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.

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VISION

Community Gro believes in a safe and equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.

MISSION Empowering change in lives and communities.

Contact Details

Name: Kathrin Meehan (CEO) Phone: 0438335884 Email: kmeehan@communitygro.org.au 14