Announcements, Featured - March 28, 2025
Reconciliation in action: Intereach launches new Innovate plan
Intereach has taken another step towards creating a culturally safe workplace with the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027.
Recently endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the new RAP is a practical, action-driven approach to reconciliation, reaffirming Intereach’s commitment to advancing meaningful relationships, cultural respect, and greater opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Launched at Intereach Mildura on Thursday 27 March, the event brought together staff, community members, and key stakeholders to celebrate the new phase in Intereach’s reconciliation journey.
Attendees were welcomed with a Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Peter Peterson, Acknowledgment of Country by Aunty Ada Peterson, and traditional performances by the Thuukalu Dancers and Kal Bysouth (digeridoo), reflecting the importance of cultural traditions and community connections.
For Intereach Child, Family and Community Worker and member of the RAP Working Group Gerri Higgins, the launch was deeply personal and filled her with a sense of pride and belonging and hope for meaningful change.
“It affirms that my cultural identity is valued and that my contributions help bridge gaps, build understanding, and create equitable opportunities for my people
Gerri Higgins - RAP Working Group member
Speaking at the launch, Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar said the plan was a sign of progress and accountability, building on the work of previous RAPs.
“Reconciliation is more than just words – it’s about listening, learning, and taking meaningful action,” Mrs Buhagiar said.
“Our Innovate RAP is a roadmap for embedding respect, cultural safety, and inclusion across all areas of our organisation. We are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a voice in how we work, engage, and deliver services.”
The Innovate RAP 2025-2027 sets out key priorities, including:
- Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations through genuine partnerships and engagement.
- Enhancing cultural awareness by providing ongoing education, training, and development opportunities for staff to ensure culturally safe and responsive services.
- Increasing employment pathways by promoting career opportunities for First Nations peoples within Intereach and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and representation.
- Embedding reconciliation in governance by ensuring it is a core consideration in decision-making, strategic planning, and service delivery.
The Intereach RAP Working Group has spent the past 12 months developing the plan, which chair Fran Knight said involved reviewing actions from the previous plan and using feedback to better implement them moving forward.
“It was important that we took our time through this process and not rushed through it just to tick a box,” Mrs Knight said.
“From the feedback, we have committed to localised face-to-face cultural awareness training. We also personalised the actions more to the programs and services we offer, looking at our strengths and how we can better support the community.”
Fran pictured left with Aboriginal artist Norm Stewart and his artwork which features in our RAP.
Seeing firsthand how these actions are making a tangible impact in the communities has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the RAP journey for Ms Higgins.
“Knowing I’ve played a role in these milestones makes me immensely proud to be part of the Intereach community,” she said.
Intereach encourages staff, partners, and the wider community to engage with the RAP and take part in the shared responsibility of reconciliation.
To learn more about Intereach’s Innovate RAP 2025-2027 and its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, visit www.intereach.com.au/reconciliation/ or email community@intereach.com.au
Read our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027
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