Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2 012– 13 Born in the heart, reconciliation is nurtured by an appreciation of history and culture, guided by goodwill and trust, and ultimately achieved through mutual respect and understanding. Contents

Co-Chairs’ message page 3

CEO report page 4

Constitutional Recognition—Recognise page 7

National Reconciliation Week 2013 page 8

Indigenous Governance Awards page 11

Reconciliation Action Plans page 12

Research and Evidence Base page 15

Reconciliation Industry Networking Groups page 17

Workplace Ready Program page 18

Cultural Programs page 21

Financial summary page 22

Our supporters page 24 2 Annual Review 2012–13

Reconciliation Australia Board

Co-Chairs Dr Tom Calma AO and Ms Melinda Cilento Images by James Henry and Lindi Heap

The Hon Mr Jason Glanville Ms Joy Thomas Mr Sam Jeffries Ms Djapirri Mr Peter Nash Ms Kirstie Parker Dr Ken Henry AC Mr Kenny Bedford Fred Chaney AO Mununggirritj Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 3

Co-Chairs’ message

In last year’s Annual Review Barometer and the second RAP Impact know they are also making a profound Kenny brings a wealth of experience we reported that support for Measurement Report (IMR). While impact on improving workplace culture in representing his people and playing the Barometer indicates incremental and attitudes. a key role in negotiating challenging reconciliation in Australia was improvements on previous research, management arrangements in Torres Earlier this year, the public education at an all-time high, citing the results from the RAP IMR are inspiring. Strait fisheries. campaign for Constitutional record number of National The Barometer reveals that only about Recognition of Aboriginal and Sam Jeffries has also advised the Board Reconciliation Week (NRW) half the Australian population believes Torres Strait Islander peoples that that he will be stepping down as a events (632) and the signing of the relationship between Aboriginal and Reconciliation Australia is leading director later this year and a process to the 300th Reconciliation Action Torres Strait Islander people and other was rebranded from You Me Unity to replace him has commenced. Australians is good, but the RAP IMR Recognise. The refresh has invigorated Finally, we sincerely thank those Plan (RAP) as clear evidence. shows that in organisations with a RAP, the campaign giving it a confident and thousands of individuals, communities, One year on and the momentum the figure rises to 95 per cent. more active tone and the feedback as businesses, organisations and our team travels around the country continues with 724 NRW events The RAP IMR also shows the level governments from around Australia has been overwhelmingly positive. held this year and signed up of trust between Aboriginal and for sharing the reconciliation journey RAPs now exceeding 450*. Torres Strait Islander people and We warmly welcome the decision of with us. Together we are making much their colleagues in RAP organisations the to renew progress in our quest to make Australia These are not the only indicators that running at 71 per cent, compared to Reconciliation Australia’s funding for fair for Aboriginal and Torres Strait reconciliation is on a roll. We have been the Barometer’s 13 per cent. There is the next four years. We thank the Islander peoples and a better nation for buoyed by the Australian Parliament’s also far less prejudice (nine per cent Government and Opposition for their all Australians. support for the Aboriginal and Torres compared to the Barometer’s 70 per continued bipartisanship in supporting Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act cent) and greater pride in Aboriginal the reconciliation process. This funding Dr Tom Calma AO and 2012, signed in March. This legislation is and Torres Strait Islander cultures guarantee will enable the multiple Ms Melinda Cilento a precursor to the proposed referendum (77 per cent compared to 51 per cent). initiatives and programs detailed in the to recognise Aboriginal and Torres following pages to flourish and expand. RAPs have been one of Reconciliation Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Australia’s great success stories. This year, the Board farewelled Constitution. Like the Apology, such an Over the past seven years, RAPs Terry Waia, our Torres Strait Islander act of recognition will be a significant have significantly improved economic representative, and welcomed his reconciliation landmark. and social outcomes for Aboriginal replacement Kenny Bedford. Terry Another positive indicator comes from and Torres Strait Islander Australians served on the Reconciliation Australia the contrast in attitudinal findings in two through employment, scholarships, Board for six years and we thank research reports we released earlier this training and mentoring, securing nearly him very much for his contribution year—the third Australian Reconciliation 20,000 jobs in that time. But we now and commitment to reconciliation. *as at 30 June 2013 4 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

CEO report

The past 12 months have been an Our new online Indigenous Governance The RAP Showcase at Parliament House On the fifth Anniversary of the Apology exhilarating time at Reconciliation Toolkit builds on the pioneering in in February was a sparkling to the Stolen Generations, we moved research of the Indigenous Community celebration of the RAP program that another step closer to the recognition Australia. Thanks to the Governance Project and was developed coincided with the Prime Minister’s of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dedication of our talented and as part of Reconciliation Australia’s speech to Parliament on Closing the peoples in Australia’s Constitution. The committed team, we’ve enjoyed a partnership with BHP Billiton with support Gap. Attended by Prime Minister the passing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait spectacular year of achievement from the new Australian Indigenous Hon Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Leader of Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2012 Governance Institute. The toolkit is a through the House of Representatives and success. In the following the Opposition the Hon MP comprehensive stockpile of information, and other senior politicians, the one-day had bipartisan support, so vital to the pages you will read more about tools, templates and audio-visual event was a visual reminder of just how process. It was another significant these accomplishments but I resources that will assist Aboriginal and far the RAP program has come in seven milestone for our Constitutional Torres Strait Islander organisations and want to make special mention of years. Forty of Reconciliation Australia’s Recognition unit based in Sydney who communities determined to improve their RAP partners were showcased, enabling coordinate our public awareness and several of the key outcomes. governance and take greater control of them to highlight their successes community support program, Recognise. their affairs. The Indigenous Governance Awards and contributions to We have been mindful of the need to (IGA) in October last year were a triumph. Our Workplace Ready program is now initiatives. For the more than 500 engage schools in reconciliation and are Our finalists emerged from a record 107 up and running and comprises tools, attendees, it was an uplifting event full of well on the way to developing a strategy applications and represented the very best strategies and information to assist positive reconciliation stories. to that end. With the introduction of the organisations to achieve their public of what is happening in Aboriginal and The showcase coincided with the Australian Curriculum and the Australian commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Torres Strait Islander communities. These introduction of our new RAP framework Professional Standards for Teachers, we Strait Islander employment. We conducted impressive organisations strongly reinforced comprising four distinct types of RAPs now have a real opportunity to encourage six workshops in Sydney and Melbourne the belief that self-determination is the key all Australian schools to respect, with companies that included Woolworths, that organisations can adopt according to success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait understand and teach Aboriginal and Myer and Toll Transport. We also held to their different needs and commitments. Islander communities. I warmly congratulate Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. CEO lunches where the Minister for A Reflect RAP lays strong foundations, the category winners Ngaanyatjarra Indigenous Employment and Economic an Innovate RAP tries new approaches, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Development, the Hon Julie Collins MP a Stretch RAP sets measurable outcome 2013 was the most successful ever. Council Aboriginal Corporation (NPY and her Departmental Secretary Ms Lisa targets and an Elevate RAP focuses Over 700 events were held around the Women’s Council) and the Yiriman Project, Paul met with CEOs and senior executives attention towards large-scale societal country to mark the week with hundreds and the highly commended organisations to discuss the driving factors for change. We know that a RAP is not an of thousands of Indigenous and non- Secretariat of National Aboriginal and organisations committing to Aboriginal and end in itself but continues to evolve, and Indigenous Australians coming together Islander Child Care (SNAICC) and the Murdi Torres Strait Islander employment targets the new categories further encourage in the spirit of reconciliation. We kicked off Paaki Regional Assembly. and how diversity enhances a workforce. that evolution. our own NRW celebrations with events in Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 5

Melbourne and Cairns combining the first ever simultaneous flash mobs who danced to Yothu Yindi’s Djapana (Sunset Dreaming).

On Sorry Day we launched the Journey to Recognition at Melbourne’s Federation Square with AFL legend Michael Long. This epic relay across the country promoting the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians has demonstrated how sport can bring people together.

I must pay tribute to our Co-Chair Dr Tom Calma AO who was named 2013 ACT Australian of the Year for his work in advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Tom has dedicated his life to serving the community and promoting reconciliation and I am proud to call him a colleague and friend.

In closing I want to say that it is a privilege to head up a purpose driven organisation that mirrors my own values and works towards justice and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Reconciliation Australia we look forward to the year ahead, confident that our policies and programs are making a real impact and that the groundswell of support for reconciliation in Australia has never been stronger.

Ms Leah Armstrong Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong and University of Western Sydney Chancellor Professor Peter Shergold AC before Leah’s 2013 address to the university students. (Image by Sally Tsoutas) 6 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

AFL legend Michael Long with actor Aaron Pedersen at the launch of the Journey to Recognition in Federation Square in Melbourne on 26 May 2013. (Image by James Henry) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 7

Recognise—Constitutional Recognition

Momentum and support continue to our history and our nationality. The To help achieve this goal, the Journey Otherwise Australia doesn’t know who it is. to build towards a referendum. overwhelmingly supportive feedback is one to Recognition was launched from We want people to look inside themselves of the reasons we decided to adjust our Melbourne in May 2013. This nationwide and just realise—when you recognise By the end of June 2013, more branding from You Me Unity to Recognise. relay is taking the message of the the first people, you recognise yourself. than 145,000 Australians had It’s a more confident message that movement out of the parliament and Our people have been waiting for this for acknowledges the ancient culture, while signed up as supporters of into the community. Inspired by Michael so long. There are people that need also better connecting with contemporary Long’s 2004 ‘Long Walk’ when the to hear this—and people that need to the people’s movement to Australian society. AFL legend walked from Melbourne know this. recognise Aboriginal and Torres Early on, the funded activities and to Canberra to put Indigenous issues A lot of people have left this world not Strait Islander peoples in the partnerships programs had provided back on the agenda, the Journey to knowing where this country is heading. Australian Constitution. an initial burst of publicity and made Recognition has, to date, proven a The stolen generation and the old people connections with the many organisations highly successful project. It has raised need to hear it before they go. supporting the cause. In late 2012, it As we travel around the country we are grassroots community support across Us blackfellas are proud people. We’ve continually heartened by the positive became apparent that although steady regional and urban communities, created been knocked around, but we are messages of support for recognition. A progress was being made, the movement a pool of stories and images for our social going to get there. We’ve survived recurring theme is the view that our great would benefit from a fresh impetus to media channels and boosted media so much. Indigenous culture that has endured spread the word and inform as many It’s simple, really. Acknowledge it. for more than 40,000 years is integral Australians as possible before a referendum. coverage locally and nationally. Respect it. In a blog about the Journey and why it Both the launch of the Journey to Key achievements in 2012–2013 is important to all Australians, actor and storyteller Aaron Pedersen said: Recognition and the Act of Recognition • Launch of the Recognise brand at the Australian Recording Industry (passed through the House of Association (ARIA) awards in association with the induction of the band Yothu Recognition means a lot. Representatives in February) have yielded Yindi into the ARIA Hall of Fame, November 2012 It’s true. It’s necessary. a significant increase in awareness and It’s about acknowledgement and respect. support. The number of grassroots • The passing of the Bill for the Act of Recognition through the House of I don’t care how we go about doing it. supporters behind the campaign Representatives on the 5th Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Just do it. continues to rise, as does the pace Generations, February 2013 Because some people need to hear it. and breadth of media coverage, both • Launch of the Journey to Recognition: an epic nationwide relay that will cross the The old people need to hear it before traditional and through social media country by foot, car, bike and boat, from Federation Square, Melbourne, May 2013 they go. platforms. The rising momentum, together I don’t want them to die with broken hearts. with the strong level of multi-party • The joint address to the National Press Club on 13 February by Deputy So let’s just acknowledge us. support, is providing a solid platform for Campaign Director for Recognise, Tanya Hosch, and Reconciliation Australia For me, when you recognise us, then you further progress as we head towards Board Director, Jason Glanville, on changing the Constitution. recognise yourselves. referendum day. 8 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

National Reconciliation Week 2013

In last year’s Annual Review we Dyson, the musical duo Busby Marou, and to schools, along with school kits, Media coverage of NRW 2013 was reported on the great success cultural advisor Gail Mabo, singer postcards and street banners (328 in excellent with a reported 2,538 media Gurrumul Yunupingu, singer James Sydney CBD and 136 in Canberra). mentions between 20 May and of National Reconciliation Week Henry, comedian Kevin Kropinyeri, hip 7 June 2013 (a 43 per cent increase Carbon Media created a community 2012 which included 632 events hop trio The Last Kinnection, music on 2012). Almost 40 per cent of service announcement for television producers Mark Grose and Michael media mentions were online, 25 per conducted during the eight day which was generously broadcast and Hohnen, singer Troy Cassar-Daley and cent on radio, 20 per cent in print supported by SBS, Foxtel, UKTV, BBC celebration. Twelve months hip hop MC Urthboy. and 15 per cent on television. These on and the profile of NRW has Knowledge, BBC World News, ABC, figures indicate a potential audience We arranged two launches, held been lifted even higher, with NITV and Networks National Nine, of 26.4 million. Channel Nine’s simultaneously in Melbourne Prime7, Imparja and WIN Television. It The Voice also raised awareness 724 events staged around the (Federation Square) and in Cairns. was also shown on board Qantas flights of National Reconciliation Week country in 2013, a rise of 14 per Digitally linked via video screens, and at outdoor events including the Long with more than 1.5 million viewers cent. This record number was the launches were well attended, Walk, Federation Square, Dreamtime witnessing the moving rendition especially in Cairns. Guest speakers achieved largely as a result of at the G and the News Ltd and of Bayini by Geoffrey Gurrumul in Melbourne included Reconciliation Commonwealth Bank reception areas. Yunupingu and Delta Goodrem. our promotional strategy and the Australia Co-Chairs Dr Tom Calma and Melinda Cilento, Melbourne Lord Mayor resultant media coverage. Key achievements in 2012–13 Robert Doyle and Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell. In • A 14 per cent Increase in registered NRW events to 724 In highlighting our shared histories, Cairns, guest speakers included Mayor cultures and achievements, NRW has Bob Manning, Reconciliation Australia • Staged simultaneous launches in Melbourne and Cairns long been an important reconciliation CEO Leah Armstrong and NRW opportunity, and in the past few years • A 43 per cent Increase in publicity across media organisations Ambassador Gail Mabo. Reconciliation Australia has devoted • Information taken up by RAP organisations additional resources to maximise its Our marketing was a mix of targeted impact. Our NRW Ambassadors this advertising and promotional collateral. • Great support by wide range of print, and online television broadcasters year were selected with an eye to We advertised in the , engaging a younger audience, largely National Indigenous Times, The through a performing arts connection. Canberra Times, mX in Melbourne, They comprised comedian Meshel Sydney and Brisbane, the Cairns Post, Laurie, actress Miranda Tapsell, singer News.com online and Deadly Vibe. Emma-Louise, singer Thelma Plum, We also produced 100,000 posters 2013 Young Australian of the Year, for distribution through the Koori Mail Akram Azimi, Triple J presenter Alex and the National Indigenous Times Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 9

2013 NRW Ambassadors, singers Emma-Louise and Thelma Plum. (Image by Ali Mitton) 10 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

The Indigenous Governance Award winners, highly commended finalists and the IGA judges pictured following the announcement in Melbourne. Standing, from left to right: Eddie Cubillo (IGA judge), Geraldine Atkinson (SNAICC), Sharon Williams (SNAICC), Michael Dillon (IGA judge), Frank Hytten (SNAICC), Simon Longstaff (IGA judge), Annie Milgin (Yiriman), Sylvia Shovellor (Yiriman), Andrea Mason (NPYWC), Sam Jeffries (Murdi Paaki), Jason Glanville (IGA judge), Professor Mick Dodson (IGA Chair); seated: Glenda Humes (IGA judge), Joe Brown (Yiriman), John Watson (Yiriman), Isabel Orcher (Murdi Paaki), Yanyi Bandicha (NPYWC) and Charlee-Sue Frail (Murdi Paaki). (Image by Wayne Quilliam) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 11

Indigenous Governance Awards

Created by Reconciliation a non-incorporated initiative or project. manner. They have clear and effective Project in Australia and the latest Australia in partnership with The highly commended award in ownership by the elders with strong international research from the United category A went to the Secretariat of cultural underpinning. It’s a model that States and Canada. Most importantly BHP Billiton, the Indigenous National Aboriginal and Islander Child could be replicated in other parts of the it pairs this research with practical Governance Awards (IGA) are Care (SNAICC) and in category B to the Kimberley and the country at large.” examples of outstanding governance Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly. staged every two years to identify, An independent judging panel visited from the IGA program since 2005. The celebrate and promote effective IGA Chair Professor Mick Dodson AM each of the eight finalists throughout case studies, insights and tips in the governance in Aboriginal and said that having to whittle the large array August and September 2012 assessing toolkit link directly to the experiences Torres Strait Islander organisations of impressive organisations down to them against set criteria including of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander just eight finalists and then to select four self-determination, cultural relevance Australians working in their own and projects around Australia. prize-winning recipients was exceedingly and legitimacy, and future planning and communities and organisations. difficult for the judging panel. government resilience. In last year’s Annual Review, we reported Reconciliation Australia CEO, Leah “The high quality of applicants and that the 2012 Awards had attracted a Armstrong, said the new toolkit is about finalists made this year’s decision the record 107 applications from Aboriginal Indigenous nurturing success by sharing knowledge hardest yet. The slimmest of margins Governance Toolkit and Torres Strait Islander organisations. and innovation. “It’s a way to share the separated the finalists, because they are We also named the eight finalists that innovation, wisdom and resilience that all excellent,” Professor Dodson said. Building on the success of the 2012 had emerged from all those entries. IGA, Reconciliation Australia launched we reap from the Indigenous Governance “Being a judge in these awards opens The October finale of the 2012 IGA the new and improved Indigenous Awards. The 2012 finalists demonstrate your eyes and your heart to the journey was a dazzling ceremony high Governance Toolkit in April 2013. just how successful the best Indigenous extraordinary work that is being done in the sky in BHP Billiton’s Melbourne Developed in partnership with BHP organisations are at sustaining out there. I wish all Australians could visit building where top honours in category A Billiton and the Australian Indigenous governance models that are legitimate these organisations on the ground and went to the NPY Women’s Council, one Governance Institute, the toolkit and meaningful in both worlds,” she said. see and hear what we saw and heard. of Australia’s oldest and most respected provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Reconciliation Australia is confident Aboriginal organisations; and in category “The NPY Women’s Council has Islander organisations and communities the toolkit will become an invaluable B to the Yiriman Project, a very successful courageously tackled issues, but it is with information to strengthen their youth program in the West Kimberley. their governance and commitment to governance. It includes comprehensive resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture that allows them to take on tough advice, tools, templates and audio-visual Islander people determined to exercise Category A comprises outstanding issues,” Professor Dodson said. resources that can be downloaded and control over their own futures and create examples of Indigenous governance in customised to local circumstances. shared prosperity across the nation. Indigenous incorporated organisations, “The Yiriman Project is addressing a and category B comprises outstanding vital community need in an innovative, The toolkit draws on evidence from the The toolkit is available at examples of Indigenous governance in well-structured and cost-effective Indigenous Community Governance www.reconciliation.org.au/governance. 12 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Reconciliation Action Plans

Through a common framework the program in any 12-month period, time an organisation may decide to move RAP Showcase of relationships, respect and extending the number of Australians to one of the other models, empowering working or studying in an organisation with them to push the boundaries and become The RAP Showcase was an opportunities, more than an endorsed RAP to almost two million. leaders in their sector. extravaganza event held at Parliament House in Canberra on 6 February 2013 450 organisations* are having In September 2012, we measured In March 2013, the National Australia coinciding with the Prime Minister’s the cumulative impact of the 358 a tangible impact on the Bank (NAB) became the first organisation report to Parliament on Closing the Gap. organisations that were in the program at lives of Aboriginal and Torres to adopt an Elevate RAP. The bank’s Launched by then Prime Minister the that time. The results clearly show how Group Chief Executive Officer Cameron Hon Julia Gillard MP and attended by Strait Islander peoples and the RAP community is driving growth Clyne was fully supportive saying ‘I am numerous high profile politicians including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander on the nation. Through their very proud of our work with Indigenous then Deputy Leader of the Opposition, employment, in support for Aboriginal and Reconciliation Action Plans Australia and our new Elevate recognition the Hon Julie Bishop MP, the Showcase Torres Strait Islander businesses and in from Reconciliation Australia. Our latest was the biggest ever gathering of RAP they lead the way, providing provision of pro-bono services to kindred RAP demonstrates NAB’s transparency organisations and related stakeholders. employment, encouraging communities and organisations. and commitment to this important work The event brought together positive social change and The program also passed some and our belief that all Australians should 40 organisations from around Australia, significant milestones including the launch have the opportunity for a better future.’ enhancing cultural awareness. each with their own mini-exhibition of the redesigned RAP framework, the space in the Great Hall. Throughout the advent of RAP Forums, completion of the The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) RAP Hub day, there were informative presentations online RAP Hub and staging the largest program turns ‘good intentions into from RAP leaders on topics such as ever gathering of RAP organisations for In April 2013, Reconciliation Australia action’ by supporting organisations, employment, innovation and business the RAP Showcase. launched the RAP Hub—a one stop shop large and small, to take practical steps to development. The previous evening, for organisations at all stages of their RAP build meaningful relationships and foster the Prime Minister and key Cabinet journey. The Hub is a first and continuing greater respect between non-Indigenous RAP RISE ministers attended a welcome dinner point of contact providing guidance on and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hosted by Reconciliation Australia and To maximise the effectiveness of the RAP how to develop, implement and report on individuals, communities and organisations. Rio Tinto for the CEOs of the program and to encourage organisations a RAP. It also provides tools, fact sheets, 40 represented organisations. The past year has seen exciting growth to refresh their reconciliation expectations templates and other resources along with The RAP Showcase was an uplifting event and innovation for the RAP program with we decided to redesign the RAP business valuable information about upcoming and a stunning display of the amazing more than 100 new organisations including model. Under the new structure, RAP events. A key feature is the Sharing Centre, breadth and diversity of the RAP program Crown Resorts, the Toll Group, Australian RISE, each new organisation to the RAP where RAP organisations can detail their to Members of Parliament, potential RAP Rugby Union, World Vision, Youth Off family has a choice between four discrete experiences, strategies and approaches organisations and the public. the Streets and Townsville City Council RAP models: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and share handy hints and useful tips. It’s registering their endorsed RAPs with us. or Elevate, enabling them to develop a an excellent repository of best-practice This has been the largest expansion of RAP tailored to suit their core business. In based on evidence of what works. *as at 30 June 2013 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 13

The Reconciliation Action Plan Showcase in the Great Hall of Parliament House was an outstanding success. (Image by Cole Bennetts) 14 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Aboriginal leader Professor Pat Dodson chats to students outside the National Gallery in Canberra. The Reconciliation Barometer findings show that the overwhelming majority of Australians believe the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians is important. (Image by Cole Bennetts) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 15

Research and Evidence Base

Reconciliation Australia relies OH&S policy. The chorus line from Paul Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RAP Impact Measurement on research and evidence to Kelly’s song From Little Things Big Things respondents agree (compared to Report 2012 Grow certainly sums up RAPs which, in 46 per cent in 2010) and 46 per cent guide the policy settings for just seven years, have created thousands of general community respondents The news emerging from our RAP our programs and to assist in of employment positions for Aboriginal agree (43 per cent in 2010). So there Impact Measurement Report (IMR) is their evaluation. Research is and Torres Strait Islander people and is is some upward movement there. impressive. Compared to the Barometer changing workplace culture for the better. findings, it shows that Aboriginal and also essential for us to gauge As you might expect, knowledge of Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous changes in attitudes between Aboriginal culture and history remains people in RAP organisations believe Australia’s First Peoples and Australian Reconciliation consistently high among Aboriginal there is a much higher level of trust Barometer 2012 and Torres Strait Islander respondents. the wider community. between each other (71 per cent Pleasingly some improvement is evident compared to 13 per cent); far less First conducted in 2008, the among general community respondents. prejudice (9 per cent compared to Reconciliation Barometer is a biennial, In 2012, two key pieces of research The 2012 Barometer shows that their 70 per cent); and greater pride in national study that examines Australia’s provided some real and positive insights knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perceptions of the relationships between into the impact of our Relationships, Strait cultures has risen to 31 per cent cultures (77 per cent compared to non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Respect and Opportunities framework (compared to 28 per cent in 2010) and 51 per cent). Also the percentage Torres Strait Islander peoples; and for Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres of employees in RAP organisations how these perceptions affect progress Looked at together, the third biennial Strait Islander histories is now 42 per who believe the relationship between towards reconciliation. National Reconciliation Barometer and cent (up from 39 per cent in 2010). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and the RAP Impact Measurement Report The latest Barometer indicates that non-Indigenous staff is good (95 per However the 2012 Barometer also clearly show that in organisations with abundant goodwill exists across the cent) is more than double the level in the indicates the level of trust remains low a RAP the trust and understanding community with 98 per cent of Aboriginal general community. (15 per cent for Indigenous respondents between people of Aboriginal or Torres and Torres Strait Islander respondents and 13 per cent of general respondents) These significant findings confirm that Strait Islander background and other and 87 per cent of general community and the level of prejudice is high RAPs are changing workplace culture Australians is dramatically higher. (non-Indigenous) respondents believing (72 and 70 per cent respectively). Again and attitudes in Australian organisations the relationship between them is and are laying the foundations for These insights confirm consistent these figures correlate closely with the anecdotal evidence that RAPs are important. This figure is almost unchanged significant social and economic findings in the 2010 Barometer. So in driving positive change in Australian from the 2010 Barometer. outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait some areas we are making incremental workplaces. As the number of RAP Islander people. While the relationship is perceived as improvements but overall we appear organisations grows, we can see the being overwhelmingly important, on to be holding steady. The 2012 At 30 June 2013, more than day where a RAP will be as common the question of whether the current Reconciliation Barometer can be found 450 Australian organisations had a in an organisation’s governance as its relationship is good, 47 per cent of on our website under ‘Resources’. Reconciliation Australia endorsed 16 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Reconciliation Action Plan. The next RAP policies work in practice. And so last survey will be conducted later this year but year we teamed up with the Diversity the figures compiled in late 2012 show that Council of Australia and Lend Lease in RAP organisations have employed around a special research project to find out 20,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and since 2006 have purchased employees felt about their company’s around $58 million of goods and services approach to community engagement from certified Aboriginal and Torres Strait for employment. The Closing the Work Islander businesses. RAP organisations Gap project gathered and analysed the have also provided more than $15 million opinions of 27 Aboriginal and Torres worth of pro bono support for Aboriginal Strait Islander leaders and practitioners. and Torres Strait Islander organisations and The feedback was wide-ranging and contributed more than $15 million towards instructive with the most common education scholarships for Aboriginal and message being the importance of feeling Torres Strait Islander students. free to speak and being respected. These impacts underpin a substantial When Aboriginal and Torres Strait contribution to national efforts to close Islander voices are allowed to be heard, the gap, but we also recognise that community engagement builds trust and there is still more to be done. Effective understanding and lays the foundation engagement with Aboriginal and Torres for genuine and mutually beneficial Strait Islander peoples, communities, partnerships. In this environment, organisations and businesses is a core sustainable opportunities in Aboriginal focus of our Reconciliation Action Plan and Torres Strait Islander employment, program and an essential prerequisite for business and economic development building respectful relationships. can thrive.

Closing the Work Gap

While figures and percentages provide valuable statistical evidence, we are always keen to hear the candid views and opinions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on how particular Workers at MG Corporation managing a controlled burnoff. Organisations benefit when their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are able to speak freely and feel respected. (Image by Wayne Quilliam) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 17

Reconciliation Industry Networking Groups

The Reconciliation Industry Over the last year, initiatives driven by the Media RING Aboriginal and Torres Law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) was Networking Groups (RINGs) IFSN participants included changes to Strait Islander Employment Strategy integral to establishing the network, the Australian Bankers Association’s 2012–2014 in August last year. The having made it one of their key RAP demonstrate that organisations (ABA) Banking Code of Conduct. The $1.1 million work and training program, commitments. Their reasoning for driving are more powerful working Code now contains provisions pertinent funded by the Australian Government the formation of the group comprising together than working alone. to customers in remote Indigenous through the Department of Education, law firms, peak bodies and Government communities, including appropriate Employment and Workplace Relations agencies was to further reconciliation A RING provides a forum for cultural awareness training for relevant (DEEWR) will create 40 new jobs for and equal opportunity in the legal sector industries to harness their staff. The IFSN has also worked with the Indigenous Australians in sectors by sharing good practice. They also combined goodwill, knowledge ABA and the major banks to establish including newspapers, new media, film saw the network’s potential to create new standards for identification of and television. opportunities to work collaboratively on and experience to achieve better customers including community based ID profession-wide reconciliation issues. Media RING members include the ABC, outcomes for Aboriginal and cards and authentication by community AFTRS, ASTRA, Aurora Community Legal firm Allens has worked in Elders. We also lobbied the Federal Torres Strait Islander peoples Channel, Austar, Australian News partnership with ABL to coordinate Government on CentrePay issues raised and RAP organisations. Channel (SKY NEWS), BBC Worldwide the network. In line with their RAP by our Indigenous Advisory Group. Channels Australasia, Film Victoria, commitments, they also advocate FOXTEL, Gadigal Information Service and lead on reconciliation, sharing Media RING Aboriginal Corporation, NITV, Metro knowledge and working closely with Indigenous Financial Screen, National Film and Sound Archive, other law firms, regulatory bodies and Led by FOXTEL in early 2008, multiple Services Network (IFSN) Premier Media Group, Reconciliation student associations. The network also media organisations teamed up with Australia, SBS, Screen Australia, Screen benefits from the input and guidance producers, and funding and training The Indigenous Financial Services NSW, ScreenWest, SPAA, the City of from Aboriginal and Torres Strait bodies to form the Media Reconciliation Network (IFSN) was the first networking Sydney and XYZ Networks. Islander Australians and Aboriginal Industry Network Group (Media RING). organisations engaged in the group to be established and began with As a collective, the Media RING aims to profession, such as Tarwirri and a recommendation from the National drive practical measures to support and Legal Profession Ngalaya Aboriginal Corporation. Indigenous Money Management Agenda promote reconciliation in the media sector. Reconciliation Network LPRN members include Allens, Arnold (NIMMA). The IFSN brings together Members aim to develop and enhance The Legal Profession Reconciliation Bloch Leibler, Baker & McKenzie, financial institutions, financial counsellors career opportunities for Aboriginal and Network (LPRN) was established in Clayton Utz, DLA Piper, Gadens and other kindred organisations to Torres Strait Islander peoples, share 2010 as a forum to promote the RAP Lawyers, Gilbert + Tobin, Lavan Legal, address barriers to Aboriginal and Torres resources and provide leadership. program and reconciliation across the Law Council of Australia, Law Institute Strait Islander peoples’ understanding Knowing they were well placed to legal profession, create a network of of Victoria, Maurice Blackburn, Ngalaya of financial services and their access to provide employment training, members contacts, share ideas and benefit from Aboriginal Corporation, Tarwirri and the financial products. collaborated to develop and launch each other’s experiences. Law Society of . 18 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Workplace Ready Program

For new staff in any Masterclass sessions strategic and operational focus that led • how to determine a baseline organisation, the unfamiliarity to the success of each organisation’s indicator for the number of Organisations chosen for the program programs and approaches. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of a new workplace can often take part in six, one-day employment people who work within the masterclass sessions over six be a little daunting, which is Sharing best practice business; months on: why most organisations have • the need to develop the capacity programs in place to nurture • the business case for Aboriginal and Guest speakers from community of people managers (and other key Torres Strait Islander employment; organisations, the corporate sector and personnel) to work with Aboriginal and support new employees. Government Departments share best • creating a socially inclusive workplace; and Torres Strait Islander new practice case studies to enable the starters e.g. cultural awareness and Funded by the Australian Government • effective recruitment and participating organisations to gain greater cultural competency training; through the Department of Education, advertising and culturally awareness of successful approaches • formulating the business case for Employment and Workplace Relations, appropriate interviews; to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity; our Workplace Ready program goes a recruitment, retention and career • post-employment programs to step further by assisting organisations progression and supplier diversity. • defining the scope of the Aboriginal achieve maximum retention; committed to cultural diversity, who and Torres Strait Islander supplier At the end of the six month program, are keen to employ Aboriginal and • career and personal development diversity program; the participating organisations will Torres Strait Islander people, or who do for Aboriginal and Torres Strait have developed or strengthened their • how to better connect with business with Indigenous suppliers. Islander staff; knowledge and delivery on: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander To achieve cultural diversity, creating a • the benefits and opportunities of business suppliers. • their current workplace culture workplace that is genuinely supportive diversifying your supply chain to and what they would like it to be in Masterclass sessions were attended and inclusive is essential. The premise include Aboriginal and Torres Strait the future; by 40 organisations in Sydney and of the Workplace Ready program is that Islander businesses. Melbourne in 2012, and a further respectful relationships in the workplace • how to build strong relationships 40 organisations will have attended go hand in hand in creating sustainable with the Aboriginal and Torres Online toolkit sessions in Brisbane and Canberra by opportunities. The program provides Strait Islander community; service the end of 2013. tools, strategies and information to help An online toolkit supports masterclass providers, Job Services Australia, organisations achieve the inclusive culture participants to engage broadly across Indigenous Employment Program in line with their public commitments. their organisation. Along with information, panel members, training organisations and other service providers; The Workplace Ready program involves strategies and tools, the online toolkit three key areas of delivery: masterclass includes ‘good practice’ case studies • how best to maximise the roles and sessions; an online toolkit and sharing linked to each of the six masterclass locations for Aboriginal and Torres best practice. sessions. The case studies share the Strait Islander employees; Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 19

Commander Chris Curtis, Director Recruiting Management for the Australian Navy, at the Sydney masterclass. (Image by Cole Bennetts) 20 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

One, two, three, four…and our two original reconciliation songs are recorded live in the Giralang Primary School ‘studio’! (Image by Grace Costa) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 21

Cultural Programs

Garma Festival 2012 Festival site, Garma was temporarily While Share our Pride captures the With assistance from our host, Giralang downsized. Attendance for 2012 was diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Primary School, we split into two groups Each year since 2006, Reconciliation by invitation only and so Reconciliation Strait Islander cultures throughout and spent several hours immersed in Australia has hosted up to 20 influential Australia was unable to take a women’s Australia it was mainly designed as an some collaborative song writing. First off, women from business, government, group to the Festival last year. However introductory learning tool. Song Division guided us through aspects media and community organisations we will again host a women’s group to of musical composition, key themes, The website is especially useful for at the annual Garma Festival of the Garma Festival in August 2013. and lyric writing before we set about traditional culture in east Arnhem RAP organisations to incorporate composing not one, but two smash In November 2012, the Reconciliation Land. The purpose of the program into their cultural awareness activities hits, covering the themes of recognition Australia Women’s Group held an event is to give the women a powerful and and for their employees to dip into to of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hosted by the Commonwealth Bank inspiring introduction to Aboriginal expand their own cultural awareness. history and the journey towards equality. to inaugurate the Garma Alumni. We and Torres Strait Islander culture in an It was an ideal team building exercise wanted to provide an opportunity for the Reconciliation Australia developed this environment where they can: and a great way to finish off National 90 or so past participants in our Garma website with initial funding from the Reconciliation Week. • find common ground as Aboriginal program to reconnect and to enjoy Westpac Foundation and the Coles and Torres Strait Islander and the benefits of coming together as a Group Community Fund. non-Indigenous women engaging dedicated group. in reconciliation Reconciliation Co-Chair Melinda Say it with music • discuss the unique contributions Cilento, Board Director and Yolngu After a hectic week of celebrations that women in differing sectors can elder Djapirri Mununggirritj and General make to the reconciliation process Manager Affiliate Business Banking at during National Reconciliation Week 2013, Reconciliation Australia staff • enjoy a cultural experience that the Commonwealth Bank, Karen James and one or two friends from the might positively influence their gave presentations at the event. Healing Foundation, the Australian work in developing government Indigenous Leadership Centre, the and industry policy that affects Share our Pride ACT Department of Education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples At the start of 2013 we gave our the Department of Education, interactive, multimedia website Share Employment and Workplace • be stimulated and challenged our Pride a facelift. It’s an informative Relations, the Central Australian outside normal meeting and resource just a button click away for Aboriginal Media Association and working places. anyone interested in finding out about Communities at Work, got together Last year, in order for major Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander with the creative team at Song improvements to be made to the histories, cultures and contributions. Division to make some music. 22 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Financial summary

Reconciliation Australia’s The result of Reconciliation Australia’s continue to build public awareness and WHERE DO OUR financial sustainability depends consolidated operation in 2012–2013 community support for constitutional FUNDS GO? was a surplus of $300,082 ($360,266 on four major funding sources: recognition of Aboriginal and Torres surplus in 2011–2012). Strait Islander peoples. In 2012–2013 Reconciliation Australia government grants; corporate supported programs and initiatives Reconciliation Australia’s general which accounted for 90 per cent of the partnerships; philanthropic trust operational activities were funded WHERE DO OUR FUNDS organisation’s 2012–2013 expenditure by monies granted by the Australian funding; and tax deductible COME FROM? (77 per cent in 2011–2012). Copies of Government, in addition to funding donations from individuals. the full Annual Financial Report including received from corporate supporters and We are an independent, non-government the Independent Audit Report can be private donors. organisation and the proportion of our obtained from: income from non-government sources Total revenue and other income for is on the increase. However the bulk The Finance Manager the current year was $10,714,193 of our funding is still sourced from Reconciliation Australia ($6,022,286 in 2011–2012). Total PO Box 4773 expenditure for the current year the Australian Government, through Kingston ACT 2604 was $10,414,111 ($5,662,020 in the Department of Families, Housing, or www.reconciliation.org.au 2011–2012). The increase in our revenue Community Services and Indigenous and expenditure in the current year Affairs. In addition, we receive funding relates to a $10 million, two year funding from BHP Billiton and the Department agreement entered into in July 2012 of Education, Employment and with the Australian Government to Workplace Relations.

2012–13 2011–12

Total revenue and other income $10,714,193 $6,022,286

Total expenditure $10,414,111 $5,662,020 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 23

Sources of income

Government grants

Project funding

Proceeds from fundraising 2013 2012 Other revenue

Use of operating funds

Programs and projects

Constitutional recognition

Communications 2013 2012 Policy and research

Operations

Fundraising 24 Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13

Our supporters

Building partnerships is the key Supporters Australian Volunteers International Great Big Events (Recognise) to providing a national focus for ABC Television Ground Control Music Australian War Memorial reconciliation. As a non-government, ABC Books Herbert Smith Freehills not-for-profit organisation, Reconciliation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Youth Affairs Human Rights Commission (Recognise) Australia depends on the help and Healing Foundation (RA and Recognise) Blackchili Productions Human Rights Law Centre (Recognise) financial support of many companies Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (Recognise) Brambuk – the National Park and Imparja Television Cultural Centre (Recognise) and individuals. The Board and staff of Aboriginal Health Council of SA Indigenous Business Australia Reconciliation Australia congratulate Business Council of Australia (Recognise) Koori Mail and thank all of our friends and partners Cairns Regional Council Aboriginal Legal Services ACT/NSW KPMG (RA and Recognise) across the country for their commitment (Recognise) Cape York Institute (RA and Recognise) Law Society of NSW (Recognise) to reconciliation in 2012–2013. ACT Government Carbon Media Leanne de Souza Artist Management ACTU (Recognise) Caritas (Recognise) Life Without Barriers (Recognise) Program Funders City Council (Recognise) Centenary of Canberra Local Government Association of BHP Billiton Adelaide Festival Centre (Recognise) City of Ballarat (Recognise) Australia (Recognise) Department of Families, Allens Linklaters City of Melbourne More Comedy Housing, Community Services and Amnesty International (Recognise) City of Melton (Recognise) Much Bravado Indigenous Affairs Anglican Diocese of Brisbane City of Sydney Mushroom Music Department of Education, Employment (Recognise) Close the Gap Coalition Museum of Australian Democracy and Workplace Relations Anglican Diocese of Willochra Crowne Plaza Adelaide National Aboriginal and Torres Strait (Recognise) Deadly Vibe Islander Women’s Alliance (Recognise) Major Supporters Anglicare South Australia (Recognise) Diversity Council of Australia National Association of Community Legal Allen Consulting Group ANTaR (RA and Recognise) Centres (Recognise) Don Dunstan Foundation (Recognise) Arnold Bloch Leibler ANZ Bank National Australia Day Council Auspoll Early Childhood Australia (Recognise) Commonwealth Bank National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Australian Council of Social Services (RA Entertainment One Hopscotch Pty Ltd (RA and Recognise) Education Services Australia and Recognise) Federation Square (RA and Recognise) National Congress of Australia’s First KPMG Australian Football League Footstomp Music Peoples (RA and Recognise) Lend Lease Australian Human Rights Commission FOXTEL National Council of Churches NAB Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Fred Hollows Foundation (Recognise) (Recognise) Rio Tinto Torres Strait Islander Studies Gilbert + Tobin National Gallery of Australia Transfield Services Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Gilbert and Tobin Law Centre, University National Indigenous Times Accor Australian National University NSW (Recognise) National Union of Students (Recognise) Reconciliation Australia Annual Review 2012–13 25

News Limited Sue Barnett & Associates Patrons Gail Mabo Nine Network Supply Nation Jeremy Marou Ms Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AO MBE NITV Sydney Opera House Thelma Plum Sir William Deane AC KBE QC NOVA FM Melbourne The Canberra Times Shari Sebbens NSW Aboriginal Land Council The Long Walk Trust (Recognise) Miranda Tapsell (Recognise) The Smith Family (Recognise) Reconciliation Australia The Last Kinection NSW Reconciliation Council (RA and Triple J Board directors Urthboy Recognise) Troy Cassar-Daley Management Dr Tom Calma AO (Co-Chair) Gurrumul Yunupingu NSW Teachers Federation (Recognise) Uniting Justice Australia (Recognise) Ms Melinda Cilento (Co-Chair) Oxfam (Recognise) Uniting Justice Australia, Uniting Indigenous Governance The Hon Fred Chaney AO Police Citizens Youth Clubs Church (Recognise) Awards judges Mr Jason Glanville Prime 7 Television University of Sydney Prof Mick Dodson AM (Chair) Dr Ken Henry AC Public Interest Advocacy Centre Wayne Quilliam Photography Gary Banks AO (Recognise) Mr Sam Jeffries Wesfarmers Chris Cottier Qantas Ms Djapirri Mununggirritj Westpac Eddie Cubillo Wilto Yerlo, University of Adelaide Mr Peter Nash Michael Dillon Reconciliation Queensland Inc. (Recognise) Ms Kirstie Parker Jason Glanville Reconciliation South Australia (RA and Winangali Indigenous Ms Joy Thomas Glenda Humes Recognise) Communications & Research Mr Kenny Bedford Dr Simon Longstaff Reconciliation Victoria (RA and WIN Television Recognise) Jennifer Westacott Womens Legal Services (Recognise) National Reconciliation Reconciliation World Vision Week 2013 ambassadors Richmond Football Club Yothu Yindi Foundation Tom Busby Rural Health Education Foundation Troy Cassar-Daley SBS Alex Dyson Seymour Centre Mark Grose Shine Australia James Henry Skinnyfish Music Michael Hohnen Social Ventures Australia Stellar Entertainment Kevin Kropinyeri St Peter’s Cathedral, Diocese of Meshel Laurie Adelaide (Recognise) Emma-Louise Lobb Old Parliament House King George Terrace Cover image: Reconciliation Board Director and Leader of our Garma women’s group Djapirri Mununggirritj Parkes ACT 2600 enjoys a quiet moment on Galaru beach near Nhulunbuy, NT. (Image by Phoebe Dent) Ph 02 6273 9200 Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing www.reconciliation.org.au connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.