Damascus College Commences Reconciliation Action Planning Process

For several years there has been a deep desire in the college to work on a process that might lead to greater recognition of the truth of our First Nations peoples. For many years we have used Acknowledgment of Country to begin our community events but there is much more to be done.

The national process towards Reconciliation Action Plans Reconciliation Action Plans - Reconciliation Australia has been on the college radar throughout the Covid-19 period. Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. Progress has been difficult through Covid-19 but now it is hoped to commence the process in earnest.

The human resources are being gathered to support the journey. Direct links with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) Home | Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative | badac.net.au have been established as well as links with Mirriyu Cultural Consulting, an Aboriginal owned and operated cultural consulting service. The Catholic Education office has been consulted and discussions have begun with local schools who are on the RAP journey. It is an exciting time.

National Reconciliation Week is being marked by various activities and this year's theme is Be Brave, Make Change is challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation and to create change. Our vision for reconciliation is to see a county that meaningfully acknowledges its past, a country that listens to First Nations Peoples. By learning, listening, and collaborating with First Nations Peoples, we hope to shape a better understanding of the injustices experienced by First Nations Peoples and create change through education.

National Reconciliation Week Activities

This week is National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme is 'Be Brave, Make Change'.

To mark this, Damascus College is running a host of morning activities including: PA announcements, Didgeridoo music, Explanation of the colours on the Indigenous flag, Book Club with a Reconciliation focus, culminating in a Human Flag whole school photo on Friday, where students will wear an accessory in one of the colours of the Aboriginal flag, and money will be raised to donate to the ‘Clothing The Gap Foundation’, which is an Aboriginal led foundation aiming to improve life expectancy of First Nations people.

This year’s theme is a challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation and to create change.

Our vision for reconciliation is to see a county that meaningfully acknowledges its past, a country that listens to First Nations Peoples. By learning, listening, and collaborating with First Nations Peoples, we hope to shape a better understanding of the injustices experienced by First Nations Peoples and create change through education.