City launches Reconciliation Action Plan

The City of Armadale recently launched a first of its kind Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-2025.

The RAP’s aim, as defined by Reconciliation Australia, “is to provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination”.

The Innovate RAP framework provided by Reconciliation Australia comprises four key areas to progress meaningful reconciliation: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance.

The beautiful art design of the RAP document was created by Chloe Calyon, a local Aboriginal artist. To provide the opportunity for community participation, Chloe facilitated artwork sessions for children, Elders and other community members.

Mayor Ruth Butterfield said “The RAP is a way for the City to formalise its commitment to strengthening relationships with the local Aboriginal community, through consultation, collaboration and empowerment. The RAP is an important strategic document which provides a framework to guide reconciliation.

“Thank you to the members of the RAP Working Group, and the Aboriginal Elders for coming together to make this a reality. Thank you to Chloe and the community members for your work in creating the art design. The development of our first RAP is a worthy milestone for the City, and we look forward to building on these relationships into the future.”