29 May 2023
Life Without Barriers is encouraging other not-for-profits, charities and businesses to take practicable steps to further reconciliation this National Reconciliation Week.
Life Without Barriers has participated in Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), creating key partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations along the way.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers said the organisation has taken these steps to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
“Being a part of the Reconciliation Action Plan process has been invaluable to the everyday operations, organisational culture and long-term goals we have at Life Without Barriers to creating tangible actions towards Reconciliation,” Ms Robbs said.
“It has cemented reconciliation as much more than just a belief for us because it’s become embedded in all our actions and activities.
“I would encourage all not-for-profits, charities and businesses around Australia to look at the ways they can contribute to a more reconciled nation by considering a RAP.
“Our current Elevate RAP is our guide as an organisation on the practical steps and tangible actions we are committed to taking together to make our most substantial strides yet towards Reconciliation.”
Life Without Barriers' Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan includes a Transformation Project which commits to progressively step away from providing out-of-home care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children over the next ten years by transitioning them into the more culturally safe and appropriate care of family, community, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
“For the path towards reconciliation to be paved with true intention, we must hear the truth and speak the truth about our shared history, and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ fundamental right to self-determination,” Ms Robbs said.
“That’s why we are also encouraging our staff and community to become educated ahead of this year’s referendum on a Voice to Parliament by making accurate and informative resources about the Voice available to our people.
“Through tangible and practicable actions, we can strive to heal centuries of injustice.”
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