WCS recognises the resilience, strength and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their endurance and successes. We acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups, with the broad range of cultural knowledge they bring to family, community and country. We all gain from the sharing of their culture and wisdom, to live and work upon these ancestral lands and waterways with respect.
Our vision for reconciliation is where:
- All Australians acknowledge the impact, historical and continuous, colonisation has had upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those who have come to live on this land
are strong. - Social and economic equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is realised.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
WCS believes our reconciliation journey must be in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
WCS commits to working in a collaborative, meaningful and respectful way with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, listening to their voices, to achieve generations of success for their children, young people and families.
The first RAP for WCS was released in 2011. We have had three updates since, with the most recent (2021-23) released in December 2021.
Since 2011, there have been many activities and achievements, changing the organisation to have a greater appreciation of the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how the work of WCS can contribute to reconciliation. With our new RAP, we built on our experience of achievements and challenges to create a plan to take us forward with new energy and direction.
The RAP Working Group meets monthly to continue this journey. The RAP Working Group is co-chaired by the Chief Executive Officer and a Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee. Membership of the group is open to all WCS employees, drawing members across all service lines and levels.
Download: WCS Innovate RAP 2021–2023 – full
Download: WCS Innovate RAP 2021–2023 – one-pager
