26 May 2021: To kick off Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June), the University of Canberra has released its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2021-2024.
Strengthening relationships with local Ngunnawal peoples, creating relevant cultural policies, and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes are some of the key targets outlined in the new document.
The Stretch RAP – endorsed by Reconciliation Australia – requires the University to implement long-term reconciliation initiatives into business strategies.
It follows the success of the University’s 2018-2020 RAP, in which a large number of the projected targets were met or exceeded.
“The University’s key goal in the previous RAP was to provide our people with the leadership, knowledge, and independence to make a change towards reconciliation,” University of Canberra Chancellor Professor Tom Calma said.
Other successes from the previous RAP include increased employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to two per cent, the installation of Ngunnawal Gardens, the Indigenisation of the Curriculum Framework being approved, and the introduction of an Indigenous Alumni Chapter.
“There have been many successes in terms of reconciliation at UC, but our job isn’t done yet. The 2021-2024 RAP outlines the need to enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students, and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership opportunities,” Professor Calma said.
The new plan will continue to promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies, maintain Indigenous supplier ratios, and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student and staff recruitment.
“Above all, we aim to continue to foster respect for the Ngunnawal People, on whose land the Bruce campus is located, and engage with the Ngunnawal culture,” Professor Calma said.
The new RAP will be launched on campus on Thursday, 27 May. Access the new document here.