Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2010–11
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Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2010–11 Our vision is for an Australia that recognises and respects the special place, culture, rights and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and where good relationships between First Australians and other Australians become the foundation for local strength and success; and the enhancement of our national wellbeing. Contents Co-Chairs’ message page 2 CEO report page 3 National Reconciliation Week—Let’s Talk Recognition page 4 Indigenous Governance Awards page 6 Reconciliation Action Plans page 8 Constitutional Recognition page 12 Australian Reconciliation Barometer page 14 Garma page 16 Indigenous Financial Services Network page 17 Financial summary page 18 Our supporters page 20 2 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2010–11 Co-Chairs’ message They say change is always a Since joining the ranks of Reconciliation One of the most momentous occasions Mick, who was awarded Australian of Australia last September, Leah has led a in the past year was the announcement the Year in 2009 for his exceptional good thing and it shows; team of committed staff through some of the winners of the 2010 Indigenous work, had a particular interest in the with Reconciliation Australia’s significant internal restructures and Governance Awards. Held in partnership Indigenous Governance program; first Indigenous Chief Executive, major external projects. She must be with BHP Billiton, the Awards encourage successfully engaging with Aboriginal commended on a job well done. organisations to put up their hands to Leah Armstrong, leading and Torres Strait Islander leaders to Recognition is an integral part of the be recognised for their strong leadership help build strong relationships while also the charge in her first year in reconciliation process, and in 2010–11 and good governance. We congratulate initiating governance workshops across the position. we made it a central aspect of our work. all the finalists on their success; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Through positive conversations and indeed all organisations that entered. communities. actions, like recognition, reconciliation In February 2011, Reconciliation We would like to recognise their takes another step forward. As such, Australia released the findings of the important leadership as Board Directors we would like to recognise some second biennial Australian Reconciliation for almost a decade and thank them achievements that have been made over Barometer. Conducted by social for their ongoing commitment to the last 12 months. research company Auspoll in May 2010, reconciliation. Given their passion, we The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) the survey found relationships between are certain they will continue to be program continued to flourish in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involved in the movement. 2010–11—and in November we peoples and other Australians were As we look to the future with fresh celebrated the launch of the 200th RAP improving but there was still a lot of work eyes, there is even more enthusiasm to in Blacktown, Western Sydney. to do—particularly around trust. engage the wider Australian community Reconciliation Australia now works This past year has also seen some in reconciliation. And of course, none alongside some 500 organisations in notable changes on our Board—with of our work would be possible without all sectors to help create an even the retirement of Mr Mark Leibler and the efforts of our partners, supporters, playing field for Aboriginal and Torres Prof Mick Dodson as Co-Chairs in donors, staff and volunteers. Strait Islander peoples. RAP launches February and August respectively. in 2010–11 included Rio Tinto, On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, Woolworths, News Limited, Mark has been an outstanding we say thank you. InterContinental Hotels Group and the reconciliation ambassador—opening the Dr Tom Calma and Ms Melinda Cilento Sydney Opera House; to name a few. doors to government and big business; getting them to listen; and explaining Thanks must be extended to all how they can play their part in the organisations that have signed up and reconciliation process. leant their support to this important reconciliation initiative. Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2010–11 3 CEO report The past year has been New blood always invigorates an I’d also like to echo the Co-Chairs’ This is especially auspicious and shows marked with many significant organisation and I believe that our comment that recognition has been that abundant goodwill exists on both revitalised team will give us even more a big part of our work over the past sides to pursue true reconciliation. That milestones—and indeed a lot capacity to make a difference to the lives 12 months. Reconciliation Australia gives me great heart for the future. of change. As I reflect on this of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander has been working with the Panel for Ms Leah Armstrong period, I can’t help but think peoples and the broader Australian public Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal of the buzz of excitement this through our policy initiatives, political and Torres Strait Islander Peoples influence and partnership building. to create opportunities for people to renewal process has created. engage and discuss changes to our As part of our core business, the RAP Constitution that formally recognise our In 2010–11 Reconciliation Australia went program has once again proved to nation’s first peoples. through a restructure phase, allowing us be a successful venture. Over the to refocus the strategies and approaches past year, I’ve been pleased to attend In November, we partnered with to the work we do. countless RAP launches and met so Australian National University and the many members of our expanding RAP National Film and Sound Archive on the The organisational structure was community. annual Reconciliation Lecture that was revamped with three core areas presented by Dr Kerry Arabena. We also being created—the Policy, Strategic Reconciliation Australia’s own RAP is continued our popular Closing the Gap Development and Communications tracking well. It is set to be refreshed in lecture series in 2010–11 to encourage Unit; the Programs and Projects Unit; 2012 and we recently established a new discussions and provide a platform for and the Operational and Business RAP Working Group to assist in creating diverse opinions in this area. Development Unit. positive actions with tangible outcomes. As the Co-Chairs have reflected; The change in structure and strategic A great honour and challenge for me over the latest Australian Reconciliation direction necessitated a number of the past 12 months was to be a judge Barometer was released earlier this year staff changes and I want to pay sincere of the 2010 Indigenous Governance and I was pleased to see such high tribute to those who left us this year for Awards. In addition to congratulating percentages of respondents agreeing their dedication and commitment. the winners, I want to recognise the the relationship was important. Similarly, outstanding commitment and hard work the signs during National Reconciliation of the outgoing Awards coordinators— Week indicated to me that Australians and of course thank BHP Billiton for their are genuinely keen to reconcile. wonderful support as our long-standing partner. We look forward to working with them again in 2012 and beyond. 4 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2010–11 National Reconciliation Week—Let’s Talk Recognition Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Recognition of Indigenous Australians Hundreds of events and impromptu Reconciliation Australia also partnered Strait Islander Australians is set to is an integral part of the reconciliation gatherings were held across the country. with ABC Local Radio to host a public process and National Reconciliation forum at the National Gallery of Australia For the first time many of Canberra’s become the next great debate on Week provided abundant opportunities on the concept of recognition, which national cultural institutions united to the national agenda. As such, the for all Australians to pause and reflect received huge interest. present free National Reconciliation on the amazing Aboriginal and Torres focus of National Reconciliation Week events including public talks, Nationally, the support of National Strait Islander cultures we’re all fortunate musical performances, forums, Reconciliation Week through the State Week 2011 was about recognition to share. in its many guises. exhibitions and online debates. Reconciliation Councils and RAP In 2011 country music legend Dr Jimmy partners was yet another sign of the Reconciliation Australia would particularly Little AO was chosen as the ‘face’ goodwill shared during the event. In From 27 May – 3 June, Reconciliation like to thank the National Gallery of of the week in honour of his life-long 2011 there was a particularly strong Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, Australia invited all Australians to Let’s commitment to reconciliation. engagement in urban and regional areas. Talk Recognition; what it means and why the National Archives, the National it is such a powerful force. The theme “When you are sincerely recognised for Museum of Australia, the National In years to come, we want National celebrated the achievements made by who you are and what you contribute, Library of Australia, the Australian War Reconciliation Week to continue to be a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander you feel proud, valued and connected.