Red Cross acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across this country. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. We draw upon their wisdom, knowledge and leadership to guide us. Together we learn from the world’s oldest continuing culture, to listen deeply, speak thoughtfully, take time to build trust, reflect on our mistakes and seek healing.
Our third Reconciliation Action Plan (2018-2021) focuses on making reconciliation personal, moving from what Red Cross as an organisation can do, to what I as a Red Cross person can do. Our hope is that every Red Cross person finds ways to express their own commitment to reconciliation – in the workplace and beyond.
This Stretch RAP is our commitment to our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander colleagues, volunteers, members, clients and friends. Together we’re creating a culturally safe organisation and workplace; we work respectfully with families, communities and organisations to create opportunity; and we’re amplifying First Nations voices, cultures and achievements.
Our vision for reconciliation is a unified nation built on dignity, safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We see a reconciled Australia as one where communities lead decision-making on the issues which matter to them, and where we listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and enable them to implement their own solutions.
Red Cross is committed to enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share a prosperous, safe and healthy future with all other Australians. In a reconciled Australia, we can all thrive.
Red Cross walks alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations and peak bodies. We are committed to building long-term sustainable relationships.
- Currently 121 staff (6.4%) and 116 active volunteers identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- All new staff complete a cultural learning component in their induction program. Our ‘cultural ladder’ helps Red Cross people move beyond awareness, to becoming culturally proficient.
- We’re supporting 600 people across nine Indigenous communities including Katherine, Tiwi Islands, Nauiyi/Daly River, Kalgoorlie, Ceduna, Bridgewater, Wallaga Lake, Kempsey, Woorabinda. They have 43 active community led partnerships.
- We provided culturally relevant first aid training to students in 10 schools, with 57 accredited courses involving 1,154 students in the Gippsland region.
- NAIDOC week celebrations included 25 events nationally, from movies, trivia, and BBQs, to weaving workshops, flag-raising and smoking ceremonies, cultural tours and storytelling. Our NAIDOC Week activities reached 73k people via our social media channels.
- We formally recognise and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, members and volunteers annually, during NAIDOC Week, for their commitment and contribution to Red Cross and communities, through the Red Cross NAIDOC Awards.
- Goods and services procured from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses account for at least 3% of procurement spend annually.
- Red Cross people are encouraged to be curious and supported to take action on reconciliation.
Read more in our Reconcilation Action Plan (2018–2021) »