visit raa.com.au
National Reconciliation Week is an important occasion to learn about our shared histories and cultures and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
As part of our Reconciliation and Social Impact commitments, this year RAA hosted a number of events which seek to develop culturally aware and actively engaged employees who contribute to reconciliation.
RAA General Manager Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry said RAA operates on the lands of Aboriginal peoples across South Australia and we are committed to bringing our purpose ‘better for members, better for the community’ to life.
“At RAA, we’re dedicated to listening, learning and building relationships with Traditional Owners across South Australia,” Ms Perry said.
“We are on a journey of reconciliation, we love learning more, and we reflect and take action to meaningfully contribute to reconciliation in a range of ways.
“At RAA we also aim to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices through stakeholder engagement – with both members and suppliers.
“Reviewing RAA’s reconciliation journey as a whole requires regular check-ins, reflection and improvement.
“An incredibly heartfelt thank you to RAA’s partners at Tjindu Foundation, Reconciliation SA and Reconciliation Australia for your generosity in educating us.”
RAA has also introduced a new wrapped Patrol van into its fleet – featuring artwork by Aboriginal woman Elizabeth Close. This artwork was created for RAA’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
The design was informed by the notion that Acknowledging Country is a key concept that underpins genuine and meaningful Reconciliation efforts.
It speaks to the core values of RAA – and the relationship with the landscape we work on.
Read more about the artwork here: https://www.raa.com.au/about-raa/our-reconciliation-action-plan#artist-acknowledgement
Events:
All week – Villi’s donuts (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag themed)
Treats from Villis – a fantastic way to create conversation in either a team meeting – or around the office – with colleagues. 50c from each donut purchased also goes directly to Tjindu Foundation.
Tuesday 27 May – National Reconciliation Week breakfast
RAA staff members attended the annual National Reconciliation Week breakfast – hearing from a number of speakers – of both local and national talent.
Wednesday 28 May – Movie Night at the Capri Theatre
RAA hosted our annual National Reconciliation Week movie night at the Capri Theatre. This was open for staff and members of the public – and was an impactful evening – in the name of reconciliation. This year, RAA showed Sweet As.
Thursday 29 May – RAA Place National Reconciliation Week Celebration
RAA’s National Reconciliation Week celebration showcased Indigenous ingredients and food from Aboriginal suppliers and allowed staff the chance to converse about the importance of National Reconciliation Week.
Friday 30 May – Impact Training
The History Trust delivered their Impact program at RAA. This addresses key issues in Aboriginal and contact history and is both powerful and challenging – examining South Australia’s history while encouraging participants to view historical events inclusive of Aboriginal peoples’ experiences.
The Impact program complements and supports cultural awareness and cultural safety training programs.
93% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 89% of Australians in the general community supporting formal truth-telling processes in relation to Australia’s shared history.
RAA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate and pay our respects to Elders past and present, and emerging community leaders. We believe the cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are significant to the past, present, and future of Australia and should be acknowledged and celebrated. We recognise the ongoing challenges and resilience of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities. We are dedicated to making a positive impact through continued collaboration and learning. We are committed to contributing to reconciliation in Australia and embedding this in the culture and operations of RAA.