Annual Review 2013-14 Our vision is for everyone to wake to a reconciled, just and equitable Australia. Our aim is to inspire and enable all Australians to contribute to reconciliation and break down stereotypes and discrimination.

We inspire and enable all Australians to contribute to reconciliation through various initiatives and programs in schools, communities and workplaces. Contents

Co-Chairs’ message 3

CEO report 4

Reconciliation Action Plans 6

National Reconciliation Week 2014 8

Recognise: Constitutional Recognition 11

Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Schools 12

Indigenous Governance Awards 14

Workplace Ready Program 16

Garma Festival 2013 18

Reconciliation Industry Networking Groups 20

Financial summary 22

Our supporters 24

Attendees of The Long Walk Wellbeing Concert during National Reconciliation Week 2014. Image by Melinda Ogden. 1 Melinda Cilento and Tom Calma AO at the Reconciliation: Leading Together dinner at Old Parliament House. Image by Joseph Mayers. 2 Co-Chairs’ message

The past 12 months has been a Any change of government is usually Should that happen, the Australian We also acknowledge the work of Chief particularly productive time for followed by a period of uncertainty as economy (GDP) would be more than 1.15 Executive Leah Armstrong who has promises are met and policies change. per cent larger in real terms by 2031—a decided to step down after four years at . As you However, Prime Minister ’s gain of about $24 billion in 2012/13 the helm. Leah has been instrumental in will read in this annual review, early decision to merge Indigenous Affairs dollar terms. It also found that the larger reinvigorating Reconciliation Australia and our partnerships and programs into his own department is indicative of tax base would increase Government in resetting the organisation’s strategic are making a real difference to his personal pledge to achieve positive revenues across the country by $7.2 focus. She has brought considerable skills the lives of Aboriginal and Torres outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait billion and that the resultant increased to the role in building and maintaining Islander peoples, and we welcome that. affluence amongst Indigenous workers strong respectful relationships and Strait Islander peoples across the would cause a $4.7 billion reduction in extending the organisation’s networks length and breadth of Australia. In January this year the Prime Minister necessary expenditure. across many different sectors. The support for Constitutional attended our Reconciliation: Leading Together dinner sponsored by Rio Tinto in By closing the education gap, the DAER We sincerely thank Leah for her Recognition is gaining strong Kings Hall at Old Parliament House where estimates that an additional 26,000 jobs inspirational leadership characterised momentum, Reconciliation Action guests included the leaders of many would be created. Raising Aboriginal and by her quiet determination to transition Plans are flourishing, National major Australian corporations and other Islander health outcomes would lead to a Reconciliation Australia from a good to a Reconciliation Week activities passionate reconciliation supporters. In further 13,000 new jobs. These potential great organisation. his speech, the Prime Minister spoke gains illustrate the economic benefits that have grown exponentially, we had of his commitment to the recognition would flow directly from improvements to Finally, we acknowledge those many record entries in the Indigenous of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous life-expectancy, employment thousands of individuals, communities, Governance Awards and our peoples in the Constitution saying, “If we and productivity. Not to mention the corporates, organisations and Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in could achieve this I would regard it as a accompanying personal benefits to every governments who share our reconciliation journey. We are all in this together, Schools program is about to be crowning achievement, but I have to say new Indigenous employee. to you nothing worthwhile is easy and this and together we can continue to build launched. is extremely worthwhile.” While the Board remains unchanged enduring respect and relationships to over the past 12 months, it should be close the gaps and improve the life We have also actively engaged in the We share the sentiment and feel noted that our longest serving Director, chances and experiences for Aboriginal national debate on a number of significant confident that the newly elected Coalition Fred Chaney AO, has indicated that he and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s not reconciliation issues. We made several Government will maintain the Australian will relinquish his role at the end of this only a noble cause, it’s achievable and it’s representations against the proposed Parliament’s bipartisan support both year. Fred’s directorship dates back a national necessity. changes to the Racial Discrimination Act; for constitutional recognition and for to 2000 when Reconciliation Australia we consistently prosecuted the case in reconciliation generally. was established. In January 2014, favour of recognising the First Australians Fred’s long and dedicated advocacy in the Constitution; we spoke out against Earlier this year, we reported on the for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dr Tom Calma AO Ms Melinda Cilento various Budget cuts to Indigenous findings of the Deloitte Access Economics peoples saw him named Senior Australian programs including the mooted Report (DAER) commissioned by of the Year, a fitting reward for a great withdrawal of $165 million from Aboriginal Reconciliation Australia which indicated reconciliation crusader. We thank Fred for health services and we reiterated our plea that the national economy would benefit his exceptional service to Reconciliation for political decision-making to be guided greatly if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australia and wish him well for whatever by evidence. Islander employment levels reached those comes next. of other Australians.

3 CEO report

I am pleased to reflect on the National Reconciliation Week (NRW) was Over the past year we have been The pathway to recognition and past year which has been highly certainly a triumph this year. The numbers shaping our new schools program in reconciliation now actively engages more exceeded even our own optimistic partnership with BHP Billiton, in line with Australians than ever before and I am productive for Reconciliation predictions with 1,097 events held around the Australian Curriculum. Designed proud to have been a part of our key Australia. We have posted some Australia, compared to the record 724 to support the more than 21,000 early achievements over the past few years. significant runs on the board, events in 2013. Media coverage stretched childhood, primary and secondary runs that will deliver better from Bundaberg to Broome, Darwin to schools in Australia, the program will We are now more dynamic and our programs have all increased their reach outcomes for Aboriginal and Devonport with press, radio and television assist schools in developing environments coverage throughout the week. Social that foster a higher level of knowledge and impact. Torres Strait Islander peoples, media posts spiked markedly too and our and pride in Aboriginal and Torres It has been a real privilege to lead most notably through our website received 43,619 visits—another Strait Islander histories, cultures and Reconciliation Australia. I sincerely thank record! contributions. dynamic Reconciliation Action the Co-Chairs and the Board for their Plan (RAP) program and valuable During NRW we also conducted Sing Called Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in constant support, and the dedicated staff partnerships. Loud!, a reconciliation song competition Schools, the program’s name comes from who make things happen. They say that judged by Delta Goodrem and Geoffrey the language of the Ngunnawal people once you work here you never really leave RAPs now provide a blueprint of Gurrumul Yunupingu, Body Language and means peace, alive, wellbeing and and so I expect I will remain connected reconciliation actions and targets for dance events and a fishing promotion— coming together. until the day dawns when we achieve our more than 500 organisations around the Catch, Cook ‘n’ Yarn, all in partnership vision—to wake to a reconciled, just and country with a further 400 waiting in the with Woodside. These first time At every opportunity over the past year equitable Australia. wings in various stages of development. community engagement activities were we have campaigned for recognition of Our new RAP frameworks—Reflect, very well received and bode well for the First Australians in the Constitution Innovate, Stretch and Elevate are including more new events next year. and for the removal of those clauses encouraging organisations to aim which are racist and do not reflect Ms Leah Armstrong even higher when reviewing their RAP Once again we had a tremendous Australian reality in the 21st century. expectations. response for the Indigenous Governance Raising awareness takes time but we are Awards, with entries from 113 enthused that recent polling shows that For many organisations, having a RAP organisations (up from the record 107 more than 50 per cent of Australians are has now become an integral part of in 2012). After shortlisting, the judges now aware of the proposal. corporate culture and has really opened will choose eight finalists before making up opportunities for Aboriginal and site visits in September. The winners in As the Co-Chairs have mentioned, I plan Torres Strait Islander employees. At Category A (incorporated organisations) to step down as CEO of Reconciliation Reconciliation Australia we have now and Category B (non-incorporated Australia in the next few months, so this completed our fourth RAP, in the process projects) will be announced on 30 will be my last report on our activities. graduating to a three year Stretch RAP. October at BHP Billiton, our long-time When I first took up the role, I said how partner in presenting the Awards. honoured I was to be heading up an organisation that matched my own values, and that is just as true today as it was then.

4 Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong with Swans player at the launch of the Sydney Swans’ RAP during National Reconciliation Week 2014. Image courtesy of Sydney Swans. 5 Reconciliation Action Plans

Our diverse, dynamic and fast In 2013, over 25,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s growing community of well over Torres Strait Islander people were Constitution, are broadening their employed in RAP organisations. Together, activities to include customers and service 500 organisations are creating these organisations supported Aboriginal users. meaningful social change to level and Torres Strait Islander organisations the playing field between non- and communities through over 500 The reach of the RAP program into the Indigenous and Aboriginal and partnerships and $23 million in pro bono community has been further strengthened Torres Strait Islander Australians. services. In addition, RAP organisations by the increasing number of RAP contributed almost $38 million for organisations in the local government, Through their Reconciliation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education, and sporting sectors. Action Plans (RAPs), these educational scholarships and purchased While continuing to focus on actions organisations are leading the way over $81 million worth of goods and within their business, these organisations and proving that a commitment services from Supply Nation certified are increasingly using their profile to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander momentum for reconciliation among local to building strong and respectful enterprises. constituents, students and supporters. relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, In early 2013 Reconciliation Australia Initiatives such as cultural awareness organisations and communities launched a new RAP framework, giving training for the cheer squads of AFL leads to sustainable opportunities organisations the opportunity to choose clubs and Welcome to Country at between four discrete RAP models large local government and university in education, employment and (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate). events is seeing greater numbers of business for Aboriginal and Torres The framework encourages leadership everyday Australians getting involved in Strait Islander peoples. amongst the RAP community, with reconciliation activities. KPMG, AIATSIS and Transfield Services More than at any other time, RAP Over the last 12 months around 100 joining National Australia Bank as Elevate organisations are taking up the challenge new organisations have joined the RAP RAP organisations during 2013-14. These of reconciliation and using their unique program including Insurance Australia organisations are investing in bigger capabilities and sphere of influence Group (IAG), Stockland, The Federal commitments, greater accountability and to make a meaningful contribution to Circuit Court of Australia and the driving reconciliation outside of their four achieving a reconciled, just and equitable Australian Football League (AFL), growing walls. Australia. the number of people working or studying in an organisation with a RAP to well over Over the past year we’ve also seen two million. Together, these organisations organisations extending their RAP are having a significant impact by working commitments beyond their staff or clients Dr Tom Calma AO, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres and into the community. Corporate Judge Alexandra Strait Islander peoples, organisations organisations such as Qantas, who have Harland, Judge and communities to create the space long been a supporter of reconciliation Josephine Willis and Ms Kirstie for economic opportunities and growing and have more recently been active in Parker at the prosperity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait the Recognise campaign; and not-for- Federal Circuit profit organisations such as UnitingCare Islander peoples. Court RAP launch. Queensland, who are raising public Image by Sean support for recognising Aboriginal and Murray. 6 7 National Reconciliation Week 2014

With more than 1,000 events We hosted a barbeque at the Museum of Media coverage of NRW 2014 was registered around Australia, Australian Democracy at Old Parliament excellent with 3,260 media mentions House for the National Indigenous Youth between 12 May and 9 June. Alongside National Reconciliation Week Parliament and joined with The City traditional media, our social media (NRW) 2014 was the most of Sydney on a launch event. We also campaign proved to be very effective in successful held to date. Our Sing partnered with the Long Walk Foundation reaching new audiences. Throughout Loud! competition, partnership on their 10th anniversary event held in the eight day celebration, we gained with the Long Walk Foundation Melbourne. The event included Body 1,379 new Facebook followers reaching Language dance workshops with the a combined total of 2.3 million people and social media blitz enabled Move It Mob Style dancers, community across Australia, and our #NRW2014 us to reach new audiences engagement through our reconciliation hashtag trended on Twitter. and share the message of stall and participation in The Long Walk reconciliation. before the Dreamtime at the ‘G’ game Key achievements in 2013−14 between AFL clubs Essendon and Richmond. Our Sing Loud! competition • A 52 per cent increase in registered As the movement for recognition of that was judged by Delta Goodrem and NRW events to 1,097. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu received an peoples continues to grow, so does • #NRW2014 hashtag trended on unprecedented 64 high-quality entries. the profile of NRW. 2014 was our most Twitter. successful yet with a range of activities The marketing strategy for NRW included • A 28 per cent increase in publicity taking place across Australia. The a mix of targeted advertising and across media organisations on 2013. theme Let’s walk the talk was widely promotional collateral. We advertised • A 500 per cent increase in traffic to promoted via traditional and social in a variety of urban, regional and NRW website. media and received strong support from national media, and produced 100,000 RAP partners and State Reconciliation posters that were inserted in to various • 64 entrants in our Sing Loud! Councils. newspapers and sent to over 25,000 competition. recipients. This collateral complimented Our RAP partners were critical to the • Strong support from a variety of print, our online resources, postcards and street success of NRW this year, with many online and television broadcasters. banners (284 in Sydney CBD and 96 in hosting events and activities within their ). Our NRW community service organisations and for the public. National announcement was generously supported Australia Bank (NAB) held a number by a variety of broadcasters: Sky News, of in-branch events and Officeworks SBS, Foxtel, NITV, BBC, Qantas, Prime7, promoted a reconciliation themed WIN Television, Goolarri Television, and colouring in competition across all their was played at AFL games during their stores in Australia. Qantas did on board Indigenous rounds: Dreamtime at the ‘G’ announcements and Acknowledgement game, Port vs. Hawthorn, and of Country, screened our NRW video Geelong vs. North Melbourne. and included information on NRW in their magazine. ABC created an NRW-specific pop up radio station which ran nationally for the whole week.

8 Members of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament during National Reconciliation Week 2014. Image by Steve Keough. 9 10 Recognise: Constitutional Recognition

Adam Goodes and Fred Chaney have The Recognise movement Key achievements in 2013−14 continues to grow. By the end of spoken up regularly as and Senior Australian of the Year • The Recognise movement grows to June 2014, 210,000 Australians in support of constitutional recognition. more than 210,000 Australians and were supporters of the people’s We launched our youth-led campaign the youth offshoot, RecogniseThis, is movement to recognise Aboriginal RecogniseThis, which brings the voices launched. and faces of young Australians to the and Torres Strait Islander peoples • The Journey to Recognition engages movement, including a powerful social in the Australian Constitution. more than 12,240 people directly media campaign and a street art project. at 141 events in 106 communities, The calls for our Constitution to reflect Recognise joint campaign director Tanya on top of many other constitutional the true span of our country’s vast Hosch began outreach to the expatriate recognition forums across the nation. history, and no longer allow for race Australian voting community, making • Adam Goodes and Fred Chaney are discrimination, are profoundly moving. a privately-funded trip to London and named Australian of the Year and speaking at an Australia House event In these 12 months, the Journey to Senior Australian of the Year and take hosted by Australian High Commissioner Recognition continued its epic trek across the opportunity to highlight their strong Alexander Downer. the nation. We heard from Elders and support for constitutional recognition. young people, community leaders and Professor Patrick Dodson delivered the • The AFL partners with Recognise local advocates in scores of locations. By 2014 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration on to promote awareness during the end of June, recognition campaigners constitutional recognition, telecast on its Indigenous round in National had travelled 17,300 kilometres across ABC, Sky News and NITV. Professor Reconciliation Week, helping to Australia, directly engaging thousands of launched the Untold Stories lift supporter sign-ups by 17,000 people across hundreds of events. documentary stories about the profound Australians in a single week. contributions to Australia of Aboriginal National sporting codes such as the and Torres Strait Islander people, and AFL and Cricket Australia and AFL clubs we also launched a cinema ad campaign including Port Adelaide, Adelaide, St featuring community members speaking Kilda and Richmond joined Aboriginal up for recognition. and Torres Strait Islander organisations, not-for-profits, faith groups, business and Over the past 12 months, we have unions as partners and supporters of the heard much advocacy for the Recognise movement. In the AFL Indigenous Round, referendum. They included people like Nicky Winmar recreated his famous stand young Noongar woman Tiana Culbong, The AFL against race discrimination to show his who told the 300-strong crowd in getting behind support for the Recognise cause—this Fremantle who gathered to greet the the Recognise time lifting his St Kilda guernsey to Journey to Recognition: Campaign. (left point to his R shirt. The AFL promoted to right – Michael Recognise throughout the round, with the “It is now 2014. A time for change; a time O’Loughlin, Adam giant R featuring on the cover of the Footy to move forward as a nation united; a Goodes and Record, the centre-bounce circle and in time to remove a constitutional silence; a Belinda Duarte). television commentary. time to recognise Aboriginal people and Image courtesy of Recognise. our history in this country.” 11 Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Schools

Alive, well-being, coming together, peace… as the School RAPs Curriculum resources many definitions of the word Narragunnawali suggest, we are working within Australian schools and early School RAPs are wholly delivered and Many new and existing teachers have childhood settings to provide the next generation of supported through a self-paced online little or no knowledge of how to teach Australians with an environment that encourages a system that will help schools to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strong sense of understanding and shared pride in their RAPs. All schools in Australia can histories and cultures because they now access the same quality resources have never been required to. We have our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, and are now provided with a powerful developed an MOU with Education cultures and contributions. web-based project system that will Services Australia that will see our facilitate and help to manage whole resources found on the Scootle website Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from school-change. The online system (the national repository of resources) as the language of the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Owners and contains in-built metrics and evaluation well as helping make some State-based Custodians of the land and waterways of the area on which tools allowing the school to map their resources available more widely. We have Reconciliation Australia’s Canberra office is located. We pay our own progress as well as allowing developed a series of short films with respects to, and thank the United Ngunnawal Elders Council for Reconciliation Australia to capture a live CAAMA Productions (Central Australian giving us permission to use the word Narragunnawali. ‘barometer’ of actions within participating Aboriginal Media Association) and Foxtel schools. that were scripted directly from the Over the past year, the Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Schools Australian Curriculum. In consultation and team has developed a four year plan, secured funding from collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, developed working Strait Islander community groups around relationships with existing Aboriginal and Torres Islander education the country we are developing teaching organisations, established agreements with the Commonwealth and learning guides that will accompany as well as the State and Territory Government, Catholic and the films. Independent sectors. Reconciliation Australia, although being represented by a team of people with great expertise and experience, did not assume we were an organisation that knew Professional learning Evaluation and monitoring what the Australian school and early childhood setting needed. We have spent the time to learn from, build relationships with and We have trialled a project of peer-driven We are working with the Australian gain the respect of those that do know the answers. professional learning that intends to National University – Centre for Narragunnawali will provide tools, including school Reconciliation assist teachers and school leaders in Aboriginal Economic Policy Research Action Plans (RAPs), curriculum resources and a teacher meeting ‘proficiency’ or ‘accreditation’ of (CAEPR) to assess the effectiveness professional network, for all Australian early childhood, primary the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of Narragunnawali. The program and secondary schools. focus areas of the Australian Professional evaluation includes a longitudinal study Teaching Standards. Using social of participating schools’ progress and media to gather a group of experienced change, three attitudinal surveys (student, teachers, we will share best practice with teacher, community) as well as a strong the Australian teaching community. focus on action research.

12 Students from Lourdes Hill College during their National Reconciliation Week celebrations. Image by Hannah Gough. 13 Indigenous Governance Awards

Now in its sixth outing, the Indigenous Governance Awards have come to The 2014 finalists are: symbolise the outstanding quality seen in Australia’s best governed Indigenous- Australian Indigenous Mentoring Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal The Marruk Project controlled organisations. In line with the Experience (AIME) Corporation awards’ growing reputation, there were The Marruk Project uses performing a record 113 entrants this year across Taking a personalised approach to For almost three decades, Ngnowar arts to build stronger cultural ties and two categories, one for incorporated Indigenous education, the Australian Aerwah has delivered drug and alcohol relationships among Aboriginal and non- organisations and the other for non- Indigenous Mentoring Experience intervention and support services to Aboriginal people in the town of Swan incorporated projects. provides mentoring to university and high Aboriginal clients in the remote town of Hill in regional Victoria. Puppetry, dance, school students around the country. AIME Wyndham in Western Australia. It also live music and video are some of the Reconciliation Australia co-sponsors is the largest education support service works to build community capacity by platforms available to young Aboriginal the program with BHP Billiton as a for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander running events from mental health and people to develop their performance skills means to building sustainable, positive high school students in Australia. cultural workshops to pregnancy classes. and tell the traditional stories of the area. change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Initially established Girringun Aboriginal Corporation Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Muntjiltjarra Wurrgumu Group to encourage better governance in A trailblazing organisation caring Agency The Muntjiltjarra Wurrgumu Group is organisations, the awards recognise for over one million hectares of land The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care helping to break down communication accountable, sustainable governance and sea in Far North Queensland, Agency has been instrumental in barriers between the local Aboriginal practice in organisations and projects Girringun uses traditional knowledge changing the state’s child and family community, industry and government across Australia. Underpinning the and culture to inform their caretaking. welfare laws to reflect the specific agencies in Wiluna. Led and developed judging process is the philosophy of From environmental protection and cultural needs of the state’s Aboriginal by Martu people under the Wiluna greater self-determination for Aboriginal regeneration, to arts projects and communities. It works with Aboriginal Regional Partnership Agreement, the and Torres Strait Islander people. And community services, Girringun actively communities to adopt best parenting Muntjiltjarra Wurrgumu Group has as with previous years, the finalists for involves its nine traditional owner groups practices and advises government in established itself as an important voice 2014 reflect the cultural and geographical in its key decision-making. relation to child abuse and neglect. at the decision making table. The diversity—and unique governance project has been designed, created and philosophies—of Australia’s Indigenous delivered with complete ownership of communities. Institute for Urban Indigenous Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Health (IUIH) Aboriginal Corporation local Aboriginal people and has enabled the Wiluna people to have greater control The Brisbane-based IUIH is striving to Waltja services the Aboriginal over how external agencies and industry close the life expectancy gap between communities of the Central Desert over work with the local community. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people a 90,000km2 area. It uses culturally- in South East Queensland through a specific and locally relevant solutions regional, evidence-based approach. to address the economic disadvantage Besides providing traditional medical experienced in these communities. The and other health services through their female-led organisation uses social organisations, the Institute runs programs enterprise investments to service needs such as Work it Out and Deadly Choices often overlooked by government funding to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait agencies, including disability support Islander Queenslanders to make healthier care, emergency relief and a ‘culture car’ lifestyle choices. to enable families to attend important cultural events. 14 Girringun Board Director Claude Beeron with Girringun Chair Charles Morganson at the Girrungun Arts Centre in Cardwell. Image by Wayne Quilliam. 15 Workplace Ready Program

The Workplace Ready Program is Incitec Pivot Limited employs more As an organisation Incitec Pivot Limited supporting committed employers than 5,000 people and provides quality will continue to challenge themselves on products and blasting solutions around demonstrating meaningful employment to create the right internal the world. In 2012, the company outcomes and work towards positioning culture to attract, retain and participated in the Workplace Ready the business as an ‘Employer of Choice’ develop Aboriginal and Torres Program to build their knowledge and for Indigenous Australians. Strait Islander employees and to capacity to create the right conditions The Workplace Ready Program was successfully diversify their supply to achieve their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and supplier delivered in Brisbane and Canberra chain. diversity targets. For Diversity Program in 2013. To date, 41 organisations Manager Mary McCabe, the sharing have completed the Workplace Ready The program is delivered over five of experiences was invaluable as the Program. months and includes a series of five organisation was just starting out on their masterclass sessions with a supporting journey into Indigenous Employment and online toolkit that focuses on increasing Engagement. Mary found the program the sustainability of Aboriginal and Torres helpful in connecting Incitec Pivot Limited Strait Islander economic participation with the right people as they navigated outcomes. Participants also have access the development and implementation of to cross-sector employment dialogues their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander where employers and other organisations employment strategy. can discuss opportunities to foster genuine partnerships and collaboration Since completing the Workplace Ready to increase employment outcomes for Program, Incitec Pivot Limited has seen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander several successful outcomes. They have peoples. In 2013, in partnership with fostered positive, productive relationships an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander with Traditional Owners; increased the Advisory Group, we developed a new cultural capability of their organisation; REDI Diagnostic, an online tool that met a six per cent Indigenous assists organisations to measure their Employment rate in their operations in the workplace readiness for Aboriginal and Pilbara; and exceeded their commitment Torres Strait Islander employment and to the Australian Employment Covenant. supplier diversity. The diagnostic provides participants with a clear understanding of where the organisation is currently achieving outcomes and where gaps remain to allow for the development of targeted programs and strategies across Employees from the organisation. organisations who have participated in the Workplace Ready Program. Images by Cole Bennetts. 16 17 Garma Festival 2013

As the sun set across the Looking after our 18 women is Yolngu escarpment at Gulkala in north- elder and Reconciliation Australia Board Director Djapirri Mununggirritj who uses east Arnhem Land, the sound immersion in language, dance, art and of the yidaki (didgeridoo) filters culture to create a bond and build trust. through the trees announcing It’s a rare opportunity for the women the evening’s bungul dancing. in the group to sit down, listen and Around a campfire, a group of 18 learn through a personal and first-hand encounter with Yolngu culture. women are forging friendships, telling stories and sharing For many it is a life-changing experience, thoughts and feelings. The not only because it affords a greater appreciation of the issues facing women are all influential leaders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander from the corporate, Indigenous peoples but because the richness and and community sectors and vast history of Yolngu culture touches the part of Reconciliation Australia’s soul. The following comments are typical reactions from members of our women’s Women’s Group at the 2013 group: Garma Festival. “There is a lot to be proud of and to learn Garma is Australia’s leading cultural from our indigenous history and culture. exchange event and attracts thousands Thank you for the invitation to be part of of visitors each year. It is hosted through such a special event. I feel blessed.” the Youthi Yindi Foundation by the Yolngu clans of Arnhem Land who come together “There are very few experiences that have to celebrate their culture and share it the ability to enrich the mind, body and with others. There is always a strong soul at the same time, but this is one of reconciliation element to the planning and them.” delivery of the festival and it was even “Time stood still for me while I was in more evident in 2013 being the 50th Garma. The connection to place and anniversary of the Yirrkala Bark Petition. to each other was beautiful and I think I In 2013 the festival was also the setting often overlook this in the busyness of my for the conclusion of the first stage of the life. I have been much more deliberate Journey to Recognition, which began in and intentional with my relationships since Melbourne in May, to raise awareness returning from Garma.” of the campaign to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Reconciliation Constitution. Australia’s Women’s Group at the 2013 Garma Festival. Image by Phoebe Dent. 18 19 Reconciliation Industry Networking Groups

Working together for change Legal Profession Reconciliation AFL Working Group is more powerful than working Network (LPRN) The AFL Working Group meets regularly alone. The Reconciliation Industry The Legal Profession Reconciliation to promote and coordinate reconciliation Networking Groups (RINGs) Network (LPRN) is an opportunity for related activities within the AFL. The group provide an avenue for committed law firms to establish relationships and has a strong focus on collaboration and industries to harness their share experiences and reconciliation the development of AFL wide initiatives initiatives with each other. Through the and is a critical means of sharing best combined goodwill, knowledge LPRN the industry looks at opportunities practice between clubs. The focus of and experience and turn it into to facilitate engagement and sharing of the group has also expanded and now better outcomes for Aboriginal ideas between firms and legal bodies with covers a wide set of activities aimed at and Torres Strait Islander peoples RAPs, in the process of developing RAPs improving opportunities for Aboriginal and and the industry. or considering whether to develop one. Torres Strait Islander peoples within the team and organisational setting as well Media RING as improving the cultural understanding Indigenous Financial Services of club employees, members, and Network (IFSN) The Media RING was established to supporters. drive practical measures to support The Indigenous Financial Services and promote reconciliation in the Network (IFSN) provides a forum media sector. Through their Indigenous Peak Health RING for the financial services industry to Employment Program, they provided The Peak Health RING has been address the barriers many Aboriginal employers with training and employment recently established as a forum to and Torres Strait Islander peoples face subsidies to fund positions for 40 promote reconciliation in National and in accessing financial products, services participants, including 10 in remote peak organisations working in the health and information. The IFSN has facilitated locations. In the last year the Media RING sector. This group provides a regular key work streams on the issues of: conceptualised a range of educational forum for organisations to share best Indigenous financial literacy best practice; documentaries around Aboriginal and practice for furthering reconciliation and ATM fees in remote communities; Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories improving the health of Aboriginal and bank customer satisfaction amongst and cultures. Torres Strait Islander Australians. Indigenous Australians; barriers to growth for Indigenous business; financial inclusion for Indigenous Australians in custody; Indigenous identification issues; regulation of the Centrepay system; and cross-sector communications in the prison system.

NAB trainees Thomas Franklin and Luke Wilson. Image courtesy of NAB. 20 21 Financial summary

The result of Reconciliation Australia’s Where do our funds go? 2013-14 2012-13 consolidated operation in 2013-14 was a surplus of $258,118 ($300,082 surplus in In 2013-14 Reconciliation Australia Total revenue and other income $10,484,742 $10,714,193 2012-13). supported programs and initiatives Total expenditure $10,226,624 $10,414,111 which accounted for 90 per cent (90 per Reconciliation Australia’s general cent in 2012-13) of the organisation’s operational activities were funded by expenditure. moneys granted by the Australian Government, in addition to funding The information below only provides a received from corporate supporters and summary of the financial performance private donors. and position for the financial year Sources of income 2013-14 ended 30 June 2014. Copies of the Government grants 3,475,000 Total revenue and other income for full Annual Financial Report including Project funding 6,590,663 the current year was $10,484,742 the Independent Audit Report can be ($10,714,193 in 2012-13). Total obtained from: Proceeds from 141,455 expenditure for the current year was fundraising $10,226,624 ($10,414,111 in 2012-13). The Finance Manager Other revenue 277,624 Reconciliation Australia Total 10,484,742 Where do our funds come from? PO Box 4773 We are an independent, non-government Kingston ACT 2604 organisation and the proportion of our or www.reconciliation.org.au income from non-government sources is on the increase. However the bulk of our funding is still sourced from the Australian Government, through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In addition we receive funding from BHP Sources of income 2012-13 Billiton, the Department of Employment, Government grants 3,600,000 other corporate supporters and private donors. Project funding 6,573,541 Proceeds from 286,128 fundraising Other revenue 254,524 Total 10,714,193

22 Use of operating funds 2013-14 Programs and partnerships 2,722,640 Constitutional recognition 5,067,518 (Recognise) Communications and 1,441,530 engagement Operations 969,970 Fundraising 24,966 Total 10,226,624

Use of operating funds 2012-13 Programs and partnerships 2,725,214 Constitutional recognition 5,008,805 (Recognise) Communications and 1,669,085 engagement Operations 983,464 Fundraising 27,543 Total 10,414,111

23 Our supporters

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Supporters Australian War KDIS Private Idaho Sydney Opera Patrons Indigenous Australia Memorial House Governance ABC Television Programmed Group Ms Evonne Program Funders Australian Youth Telstra Awards judges Aboriginal and Korin Gamadji Qantas Goolagong-Cawley Australian Affairs Coalition AO MBE Prof Mick Dodson Torres Strait Islander Institute Queensland Theatre The Canberra Times Government AM (Chair) Healing Foundation Business Council of Leanne de Souza Company The Long Walk Trust Sir William Deane BHP Billiton Australia AC KBE QC Prof Gary Banks AO Accor Artist Management Wesfarmers Woodside Cape York Institute Mr Eddie Cubillo ACT Government Maxima Reconciliation WIN Television Reconciliation Carbon Media National Australia Queensland Inc. Mr Jason Glanville AFL Sports Ready World Vision Australia Board Major Supporters Centenary of Day Council AIATSIS Reconciliation South Australia directors Mr Peter Harris AO Arnold Bloch Leibler Canberra National Centre Australia Allens Linklaters Yarn’n Ms Glenda Humes City of Sydney of Indigenous Dr Tom Calma AO Commonwealth Reconciliation Dr Simon Longstaff ANTaR Excellence Yothu Yindi (Co-Chair) Bank of Australia Close the Gap Western Australia Foundation AO ANZ Bank Coalition National Congress Ms Melinda Cilento Department of Reconciliation (Co-Chair) Ms Marsha Milliken Aboriginal Affairs Auspoll Crown of Australia’s First Victoria Ms Jennifer South Australia Peoples Mr Kenny Bedford Australian Council of Deadly Vibe Rural Health Westacott KPMG Social Services National Indigenous Education The Hon Fred Diversity Council Times Chaney AO Ms Emma White Lend Lease Australian Education Australia Foundation Union Nine Network Mr Jason Glanville National Australia Education Services SBS Bank Australian Football Australia NITV Seymour Centre Dr Ken Henry AC League Rio Tinto Essendon Football NOVA FM Shine Australia Ms Djapirri Australian Human Melbourne Mununggirritj THIESS Club Skinnyfish Music Rights Commission NSW Reconciliation Mr Peter Nash Transfield Services Foxtel Social Ventures Australian Institute Council Gilbert + Tobin Australia Ms Kirstie Parker Westpac of Aboriginal and NSW Teachers Ms Joy Thomas Torres Strait Islander IAG Federation Sodexo Studies ICEA Oxfam Song Division Australian Institute Imparja Television Police Citizens Stellar Entertainment of Health and Indigenous Business Youth Club Stronger Smarter Welfare Australia Prime 7 Television Institute Australian National Joseph Mayers Supply Nation University Principals Australia Photography Institute

24 Recognise

Recognise Supporters Australian Council of Gippsland National Council of SEARCH Program funders Social Services Community Legal Churches Foundation Aboriginal and Service Department of the Torres Strait Islander Australian Education National Gallery of The Long Walk Trust Prime Minister and Healing Foundation Union Human Rights Australia The Smith Family Cabinet Commission Aboriginal and Australian National Rugby Triple J Department of Torres Strait Islander Volunteers Human Rights Law League Uniting Care Defence Legal Service International Centre National Sorry Day Queensland Fred Hollows Aboriginal Catholic Cairns Regional KPMG Committee Uniting Church of Foundation Ministry Council Law Council of National Union of Australia EM Horton Family Aboriginal Health Cape York Institute Australia Students Uniting Justice Fund Council of SA Caritas Law Society of NSW News Limited Australia Jesse Street Trust Aboriginal Legal Central Land Life Without Barriers Ninti One P/L University of Services ACT/NSW National Australia Council Local Government NITV Canberra Bank ACTU City of Ballarat Association of NSW Aboriginal University of Sydney Reichstein Accor Australia City of Melbourne Land Council Woodside (CTL) Foundation Amnesty National Aboriginal City of Melton NSW Cancer Womens Legal Water Dragon International and Torres Strait Council City of Sydney Islander Ecumenical Services NSW Foundation Anglican Diocese of Community Legal Commission NSW Law Society Yothu Yindi Willochra Centre NSW National Aboriginal NSW Reconciliation Foundation Major supporters Anglican National Cricket Australia and Torres Strait Council Public Affairs Australian Football Islander Women’s NSW Teachers League Commission Don Dunstan Foundation Alliance Federation Anglicare Southern Foxtel National Association Oxfam Queensland Early Childhood Lend Lease Australia of Community Legal Police Citizens Anglicare South Qantas Centres Youth Clubs Australia Generation One Seven Network National Centre Public Interest ANU National GHD of Indigenous Advocacy Centre Sodexo Centre for Gilbert and Tobin Excellence Indigenous Studies Radio National Telstra Law Centre, National Congress Toyota ANTaR University of NSW of Australia’s First Red Cross Transfield Services ANZ Bank Peoples Rio Tinto Val Morgan SBS

25 Reconciliation Australia PO Box 4773 Kingston ACT 2604

Tel: 02 6273 9200 www.reconciliation.org.au

Cover image: Luke Carroll performs a monologue from Black Diggers at the Reconciliation: Leading Together dinner at Old Parliament House. Image by Joseph Mayers. Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this publication may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.