CatholicCare Tasmania launches Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
By Alarna Page, CatholicCare Tasmania
CatholicCare Tasmania is proud to share the launch of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), an important milestone in its ongoing commitment to truth-telling, cultural safety and reconciliation.
While many organisations launch a RAP as the beginning of their reconciliation journey, CatholicCare Tasmania chose a different approach. Before developing the RAP, the organisation wanted to ensure it was already taking meaningful action. As a result, our RAP reflects the work, learning and progress that has taken place across CatholicCare Tasmania over the past two years.
During this time, staff and leaders have engaged in cultural learning, strengthened cultural protocols and practices, reviewed policies and procedures, built stronger relationships with Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders and participated in cultural and reconciliation activities. These actions have helped embed reconciliation into CatholicCare Tasmania’s culture, systems and everyday practice, ensuring its commitment is demonstrated through action rather than words alone.
The RAP reflects a commitment to truth-telling, acknowledging past harms and their ongoing impacts, and working towards a more just and inclusive future. CatholicCare Tasmania uses the word reconciliation with care, recognising the strength, leadership and enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to community and Country, and acknowledging that reconciliation is the responsibility of all Australians.
During the launch event, CatholicCare Tasmania was honoured to unveil a commissioned artwork by Reuben Oates. The artwork provides a lasting reflection of culture, connection and community, and represents an important contribution to the organisation’s ongoing reconciliation journey.
The launch was also opened by Aunty Amanda Pearn with a smoking ceremony. This significant cultural practice provided an opportunity to acknowledge Country, reflect on the importance of reconciliation and begin the event with respect, connection and shared understanding.
As Tasmania’s primary Catholic social services agency, CatholicCare Tasmania’s approach is grounded in dignity and compassion. Just as the organisation walks alongside the individuals, families and communities it supports, it is committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through listening, learning and meaningful action. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and its values of Hope, Connection, Authenticity and Courage, CatholicCare Tasmania seeks to foster respectful partnerships and create environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples feel respected, valued and heard.
CatholicCare Tasmania acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, Elders, organisations and partners who have generously shared their knowledge, guidance and experiences throughout this journey. CatholicCare Tasmania recognises the willingness shown by staff to embrace this work, ask questions, reflect and deepen their understanding. One of the greatest lessons learned throughout the process has been that reconciliation is built through listening, trust and genuine relationships.
While proud of what has been achieved so far, CatholicCare Tasmania recognises that reconciliation is not a destination. The Reflect RAP acknowledges the foundations already built while providing a pathway for continuing to learn, grow, and walk together with respect, humility and purpose.