Posted 11th July
Liberty proudly launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during NAIDOC Week on Tuesday 9 July at an event on Birpai Country attended by team, local Elders and Aboriginal organisations who support our vision of a community where all women and children are empowered and safe.
Liberty’s commitment to reconciliation is integral to our work as a domestic and family violence specialist service, where we see first-hand the ongoing impacts of colonisation, the stolen generations, racism and discrimination.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are at greater risk of homelessness, more than three times more likely to be victims of domestic and family violence, and more likely to underreport and seek support.
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the Innovate level RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, builds upon Liberty’s journey of cultural learning so far and formalises our commitments for the coming two-year period of the Plan.
“The real work of reconciliation comes from the heart of our organisation, guided by our Aboriginal Elders and community, and is carried out through meaningful actions of our team at the local level,” Ms Lamb said.
“Liberty’s RAP is built upon the four pillars of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance. It provides a framework for Liberty to listen, learn, and lead by example as we strengthen cultural safety for team, community and the women and children we support.
“We hope to bring others with us as we acknowledge the truth of the past, commit to healing and recovery, and celebrate the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as we strive towards reconciliation,” Ms Lamb said.
Reconciliation Australia’s CEO Karen Mundine said Liberty has joined a strong network of more than 3,000 organisations with a RAP. “Implementing an Innovate RAP signals Liberty’s readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes.”
Thank you to Uncle Bill for providing a heartfelt Welcome to Country and to Liberty’s First Nations Cultural Advisor Aunty Rhonda Radley for planting the seed and sharing her personal reflections on reconciliation.
We are also grateful to Uncle Wayne Anderson and other members of Liberty’s Aboriginal Reference Group for supporting us to embed cultural perspectives into our work.
Thanks also to Leslie Williams MP, Member for Port Macquarie and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Women, and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for your consistent and continuing support.
Liberty’s RAP document features the beautiful ‘Galbaan Wakulda – Women As One’ by Birrbay Artist Angela Marr, symbolising healing, trust and dignity.
Congratulations to past and current members of our RAP Working Group, led by current Chair Jodie Arndell, on bringing this important intention into action.
Liberty’s Vision for Reconciliation is a community that has the courage to know and accept the truth of our shared history and is committed to ending racism and discrimination; where the cultural strength and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is elevated and celebrated; and, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to self-determination are upheld as we walk together towards a just, equitable and safe future.
Read our RAP here
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