What does 26 January mean to you?
We speak with four people from diverse backgrounds about what it means to them.
RAA’s reconciliation journey
Lindsay Thomas, proud Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning man and RAA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Specialist says education is key to understanding the experiences of First Nations peoples.
“Cultural awareness training has made such an impact and has really helped us mature as an organisation, including having those uncomfortable conversations,” Lindsay says. “I’ve been really proud of what we’ve been able to do.”
RAA has developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which provides strategies for the organisation to drive and initiate its reconciliation journey.
RAA’s partnership with the Tjindu Foundation is also helping to empower hundreds of young Aboriginal peoples through the shared love of Aussie rules football. It provides young participants with opportunities to connect and learn with others of the same culture and age.
Lindsay says building strong relationships within community and being seen is also important, including RAA’s range of t-shirts designed by Elizabeth Close.
“As an Aboriginal man and as an employee at RAA, to be able to say I have colleagues representing us with these shirts just makes me feel proud,” Lindsay says.
“But we still have a long way to go, and these conversations need to be had. I’m looking forward to the journey.”