A collective of organisations and allies committed to reconciliation in the Shepparton region has formed to share their reconciliation journeys and to come together as a bigger and united voice for social justice.
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The Collective kicked off in 2024 and is building momentum as more like-minded organisations are seeking out a forum where information, learnings and aspirations can be shared.
To date, the Collective includes the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Moira Shire Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Primary Care Connect, Goulburn Valley Libraries and NCN Health.
“The formation of this collective was an action in the CMA’s third and recently completed Reconciliation Action Plan,” Carla Miles, senior officer working in Traditional Owner partnerships for the Goulburn Broken CMA, said.
This aligned with the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group’s desire to understand who has or is developing Reconciliation Action Plans — or RAPs as they are commonly known — in the region and to help facilitate the coming together of these organisations and groups.
Reconciliation Australia’s RAPs are based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities.
These important foundations provide a strong base for achieving tangible and substantive benefits for First Nations peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
Almost all Australians believe the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians is important.
When we get to know each other, attitudes and behaviours towards each other improve. And we know that when programs and policies that affect the lives of First Nations peoples are developed and implemented in partnership, better outcomes are achieved.
From a human rights perspective, relationships are central to principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and to the principle of free, prior and informed consent as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Without respect for First Nations ways of doing things, respectful relationships cannot be built.
Without pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage, we cannot foster a shared national identity.
Without understanding the wrongs of the past, we cannot ensure these wrongs are never repeated.
When individuals, organisations and sectors embed commitments to value and recognise First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and rights, we know that First Nations peoples face fewer barriers in terms of accessing health, education and employment opportunities.
Crucially, respect for and protection of culture, along with equality and non-discrimination are also fundamental human rights that apply to all peoples, including First Nations peoples.
Culturally safe, partnership-centred opportunities that uphold the unique rights of First Nations peoples help to create the right environment for First Nations peoples to participate equally across education, health, employment and economic development.
Large and unacceptable gaps between First Nations peoples and other Australians persist on all social, health, education and economic indicators.
Equitable participation in a range of life opportunities is crucial for the wellbeing of all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Members of the Collective are cross-sector, bringing richness to the conversations and increasing the potential to have a greater impact in different parts of our community.
At the Collective’s most recent meeting there was a strong sense that the group could use its collective voice to be active allies to local First Nations peoples and show that there is much support to strive for a better future for all.
Member organisations are each implementing various internal and/or external events during this year’s National Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to June 3.
This year’s NRW Week theme, ‘Bridging from Now to Next’, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future as it challenges all Australians to act now to make change for the future
Some of you may have seen the beautiful National Reconciliation Week artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw.
Bree’s image celebrates the resilience of Australia’s native flora.
It features the lemon myrtle, banksia, gum leaves, desert lime and kangaroo paw, all known for their ability to endure harsh conditions and regenerate after fire.
To thrive through adversity.
It is a reminder to us all of First Peoples’ collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.
The image also symbolises that now is a time for growth, reflection and commitment to walking together, to work at building a more united and respectful nation.
Reconciliation Australia chief executive Karen Mundine, in a recent webinar, spoke about this year’s theme.
She acknowledged how recognising where we’ve come from helps to understand where we are today and guides us on where we are headed.
The theme of ‘Bridging from Now to Next’ is “acting on the intention to do something to change the course of what happens next”.
To create better outcomes and a better future.
The coming together of the Collective is part of this reflection and future action — acting intentionally to make a change as a bigger and united voice for social justice.
The Collective warmly invites other organisations who have a RAP or are considering developing one, to join in to work to make a difference.
Additionally, on the back of NRW, the Collective will be hosting a public screening of a thought-provoking film called We Don’t Need a Map.
An opportunity to individually learn and reflect.
See below for details.
So, what can you do?
To find out more about the Collective, email respect.srrg@outlook.com
You are warmly invited to come along to the Collective’s screening of We Don’t Need a Map. Tuesday, June 24 at 5.30pm (nibbles) for 6pm start at The University of Melbourne in Shepparton.
Email respect.srrg@outlook.com for more information.
Ask if your workplace or organisation has a RAP or is planning to explore developing one.
To find out more about Reconciliation Action Plans, go to reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation-action-plans/
To listen to Reconciliation Australia chief executive Karen Mundine talk about National Reconciliation Week go to bigmarker.com/narragunnawali/nrw-2025-bridging-now-to-next
Reconciliation column