Holyoake’s Stretch RAP demonstrates that we are committed to continuing the journey to bridge the gap; to truly recognise the culturally unique and valuable perspectives and strengths that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to our organisation, our services and our teams. Holyoake re-affirms its commitment to further develop key relationships, to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and services and to work on our heart, mind and spirit, so that we can better contribute to building strong and resilient communities together.
Through the commitment of Holyoake and its RAP members, who are representative of staff from all services and sites across Holyoake and Holyoake’s Cultural Advisors, we have:
- built and maintained mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations across Perth and regional WA for the benefit of consumers and Aboriginal people.
- actively participated as a member of Reconciliation WA and Reconciliation Australia, learning and sharing with like-minded RAP agencies and organisations.
- Recognised and celebrated key significant events such as National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week through shared events and activities with staff, stakeholders and community.
- Promoted and raised the awareness of staff through reconciliation and cultural awareness activities open to all staff throughout the year.
- Offered staff the opportunity to participate in yarning sessions with Aboriginal advisors and Elders to better understand the cultural issues facing Aboriginal people today.
- Offered education and training opportunities to Aboriginal organisations across Perth and Regional WA in Alcohol and Other Drugs, AOD Prevention and Suicide Prevention.
- provided opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking post-secondary Human Service Delivery courses via Marr Mooditj Training with the opportunity to undertake their student placement at Holyoake.
- sponsored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to pursue further education and development by supporting them to undertake tertiary training in Counselling.
- demonstrated respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols by embedding Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols across all Holyoake services and events and providing regular training to staff on the significance of these protocols.
Our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed here.
Meet our Cultural Advisors: Lindsay Dean & Casey Kickett