Bright futures: reconciliation action plan 2015 - 2018

Abstract

Red Cross will launched a second Reconciliation Action Plan during NAIDOC Week with an aspiration to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the organisation from the current 6.3 per cent to 9 per cent. We currently employ more than 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who know and understand their communities and are helping them drive and lead their own solutions.   Employment = empowerment   Red Cross wants Australia\u27s First Nations peoples to share a prosperous, safe and healthy future with all other Australians. Employment is key to creating that future and we aim to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working across all levels from Board and senior management right through to our work on the ground in communities, and even in international programs. Red Cross\u27 second RAP also aims to build on our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country, including Wallaga Lakes, Horsham, Kempsey, Woorabinda, Kalgoorlie, Tiwi Islands, Ceduna and Cairns. In Woorabinda, we are working with the local community and seeing improved rates of primary school attendance and reduced levels of offending. In Victoria, the Wominjeka Leadership Group has engaged with the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners, which is leading to increased access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Red Cross programs. In Katherine, Red Cross operates Kalano Aged Service for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in partnership with the Kalano Aboriginal Community. Red Cross is increasing the capacity for Aboriginal organisations in the Flinders Rangers, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta to respond to and prepare for emergencies by delivering culturally competent training