With around 30 per cent of all children in Anglicare Victoria’s (AV) care identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, building a strong framework for reconciliation, cultural safety and empowerment has been a focus of our work over the last 25 years.
Early in 2011, Anglicare Victoria established the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Steering Committee and appointed Josie Stubbe, a Jardawadjali woman, and Darren Youngs as Joint Chairs.
AV has made significant progress since the first RAP. Uncle Ian Goolagong was appointed as AV’s Cultural Ambassador, along with Auntie Kellie Hunter taking on a role as Senior Cultural Operations Lead.
AV also established an Indigenous staff network, embedded Indigenous perspectives and staff requirements strategically in our TEACHaR education program, enabled Indigenous internships, and created the Buldau Yioohgen (BY) ‘Big Dreams’ Indigenous Leadership Academy.
BY is an Aboriginal-led cultural program that seeks to raise the aspirations of Aboriginal children in care through being immersed in cultural experiences, career opportunities and professional mentorship.
In our next 25 years, we will continue to grow our cultural awareness, embrace culture, and empower tomorrow’s Aboriginal leaders.
“The RAP is important because it makes us accountable, ensuring that AV is stepping up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s right to self-determination and culture. Our first RAP built a solid foundation, and in our 2022 RAP we’ll continue that journey, guided by Aboriginal voices and leadership.”
“As a provider of care to children and young people with a long history, Anglicare Victoria operated during an era when past laws, practices and policies resulted in the often forced separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. It is likely that some of those Aboriginal children were placed into the care of one of the founding institutions that amalgamated to form Anglicare Victoria. We also know that these past government policies have contributed to the socioeconomic inequalities and systemic racism experienced by Indigenous communities and families today. Anglicare Victoria acknowledges the deep grief, suffering and hurt that continues to ripple through Australia’s Indigenous communities, and actively supports Australia’s journey of reconciliation. The agency is committed to doing better in the way it responds to, and delivers services to Aboriginal children and families. This is a commitment to culturally sensitive practice, and to services that are inclusive, and informed by the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.”
“Our kids have much trauma in their life, and they need to be on country to heal. The Buldau Yioohgen Program is where our children get to do this. Country needs healing, and our children need healing from country. It’s about connecting to mother earth and our culture.”
“I’ve never had anything like this in my life, and to share it with my daughter and with Elders is incredible. My generation has missed out – today, young people are taught things again, but it just wasn’t there for us. I’ve never been to a smoking ceremony, and I’m 34 – but they didn’t make me feel self-conscious. I just felt welcomed back. It’s not just my daughter and me who have benefited; it’s our whole family. I’m planning a possum skin ceremony for my family now; it’s such a powerful way to connect. I cried on the last day. It was such an emotional experience. Truly life-changing.”
*Name has been changed
