The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) has launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), outlining our ongoing commitment to fostering respectful and collaborative relationships with First Nations peoples.
The RAP summarises a set of actions ORSR will take to create a more inclusive and respectful workplace, and to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
ORSR Chief Executive Kylie Taylor said through the RAP, ORSR will use its role as a leader in the South Australian sport and recreation sector, to bridge the gap and make positive change.
“We have taken the first steps in our reconciliation journey, but we acknowledge there is still a lot of work to be done,” Ms Taylor said.
“We are committed to actively seeking out opportunities to learn from and collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, and to instil reconciliation principles into all aspects of our work.”
The document was curated by the ORSR RAP Working Group, following consultation with First Nations advisors Kellie Graves (Tjindu Foundation General Manager) and Tim Larkin (Larkin Consulting) who provided cultural awareness training as well as guidance on the creation of the RAP.
Eastern Arrernte artist Pat Caruso, created the RAP artwork for ORSR, representing the people, community, movement, and active lives that ORSR inspires and engages with, and illustrating the infusion of reconciliation throughout the organisation.
ORSR Director, Corporate Strategy and Investment, and RAP Chair Tim Nicholas said working closely with First Nations people in the creation of the RAP was an essential part of the process.
“Our partnerships with Aboriginal advisors and an artist, allowed us to embed cultural understanding and respect into the very fabric of our plan, ensuring that it truly reflects the values and perspectives of First Nations peoples,” Mr Nicholas said.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to ask questions and gain a greater understanding of what we can do better.”
The launch of the RAP builds on the work that ORSR has already undertaken to support and celebrate NAIDOC Week initiatives, engage prominent First Nations peoples for major events and provide South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) scholarships to First Nations athletes.
We now look forward to achieving more as we work together to create positive change and a better future for all South Australians.
