For Reconciliation to be realised, we all must play our part. Be brave and be the change.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time to reconcile past wrongs and forge greater relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians.
You can do this by learning about the shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and by living with a commitment to reconciliation in your heart.
Our commitment to reconciliation
Life Without Barriers is firmly committed to Reconciliation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of the land. We believe in recognising, respecting and advancing the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
We also acknowledge the importance of family, cultural and community ties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We must make big strides if we are to impact future generations for positive change. We live by our commitment and have partnered with SNAICC and who will help guide us to transfer our out-of-home care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control within 10 years.
Read about our partnership here.
We have put together a list of campaigns that we support, which you can too.
1. The Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people. The key reforms proposed within The Statement are to have a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for treaty-making and truth-telling.
Read our statement here.
The new Labour Government has committed to embracing the full Uluru Statement without compromise. Life Without Barriers supports the statement and its call for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the constitution.
Read our statement here.
Visit The Uluru Statement from the Heart Website to learn more.
2. Close the Gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live, on average, 10-11 years less than non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Close the Gap campaign is working to achieve health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians within 25 years and reduce the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy gap.
The campaign calls for the Australian Government to:
commit to providing adequate and long-term financial resources to achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality.
invest in real partnerships, including increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and control around health service delivery; and
address critical social issues of housing, education and self-determination that contribute to the health crisis affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
You can take action by signing the pledge and learning about how your state and federal governments are proposing to work towards closing the gap.
Visit the ANTaR Close the Gap website to learn more.
3. Change the Record
At least 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the 1991 Royal Commission. The Change the Record campaign has a mission to end the incarceration of, and family violence against, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The campaign focuses on two goals:
Close the gap in rates of imprisonment by 2040.
Cut the disproportionate rates of violence to at least close the gap by 2040 with priority strategies for women and children.
To achieve these goals, Change the Record is campaigning for the Australian Government to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to invest in holistic early intervention, prevention and diversion strategies. These strategies are aimed to increase safety, address the root causes of violence against women and children, cut reoffending and imprisonment rates, and build stronger communities.
You can take action by emailing your state MP (Change the Record has provided a template for you) or by donating.
Visit the Change the Record website to learn more.
4. Raise the Age
Children as young as 10 years old in Australia can be incarcerated. Raise the Age is a campaign calling for politicians to raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years old. The campaign also advocates for investment in community-led solutions to help children learn from their mistakes, grow, and thrive.
Read our #RaiseTheAge Media Release here.
You can take action by signing the petition or by emailing your state MP (Raise the Age has provided a template for you).
Visit the Raise the Age website to learn more.
5. Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children.
The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is almost ten times that of other children. The Family Matters campaign, led by SNAICC, aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 2040. A key focus of the campaign is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community, and culture.
Through our Strategy 2025, we will be actively participating in measures we can take to increase the number of children who can remain safely with families, with particular attention to First Nations children.
You can take action by signing the pledge today.
Visit the Family Matters website to learn more.
Our commitment to raising awareness
Life Without Barriers acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of the land and strongly believes in recognising, respecting and advancing the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
We also acknowledge the importance of family, cultural and community ties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While we are working tirelessly in practical ways to bring about real change – advocating for children and young people, improved employment and education – we also want to change attitudes.
Our commitment to raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by hearing their voices and recognising their achievements and shared histories in our communities is ongoing, as we work towards making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to the same opportunities as all Australians.
