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Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to Reconciliation with the launch of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The moving launch event took place during National NAIDOC Week at its North Turramurra Residential Care home featuring a smoking ceremony, a didgeridoo performance, Aboriginal dance led by Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu dancers, and inspiring keynote speech by Brooke Prentis, Wakka Wakka woman, and our First Nations External Advisor.
The Reflect RAP was developed in collaboration with Ms Prentis and is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, setting out the strategic initiatives aimed at fostering healing, understanding, and mutual respect.
Attendees included residents and staff, the newly appointed Chair of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) Mike Christensen, CEO Monique Reynolds, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council Sam Ngai, and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) Chaplain Fr John Knight. CEO Monique Reynolds expressed her pride in launching the RAP, emphasising its role as a continuous journey of reflection, education, and positive transformation.
“Our RAP is not just a statement of intent; it is a series of actions we will take to embed the pillars of relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance; and serves as a guide for nurturing relationships and forging connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” she said.
Wakka Wakka woman Brooke Prentis, confirmed the importance of Reconciliation enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enjoy long and healthy lives.
“An important aspect of Reconciliation at this time in Australia’s history is closing the gap,” she said.
“Which would mean my people would stop dying too young and too often. It would mean my people would reach an age to actually enter aged care services, as currently many die before the age of 55.
Thank you, Southern Cross Care, for taking my Aboriginal hand of friendship, let’s together, see older people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, live life to the full.”
(Source: SCC NSW/ACT)
