The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Mr Anthony Beven, launched his office’s reconciliation action plan (RAP) at a celebratory event in Canberra today. Mary G, the Queen of the Kimberley, started proceedings off with some songs and Aunty Ruth Bell provided the welcome to country.
The RAP outlines ORIC’s commitment towards the national goal of closing the 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. It identifies actions and targets in the key areas of relationships, respect, creating opportunities and tracking progress and reporting.
‘Our reconciliation action plan focuses on the steps we plan to take to improve our delivery of services and programs to the Indigenous community. To do this we need to work in partnership with Indigenous communities and individuals.’ Mr Beven said.
Mr Beven thanked everyone involved in developing this plan, particularly, Ms Barbara Livesey, Chief Executive of Reconciliation Australia and her staff for their invaluable assistance.
He said, ‘ORIC is committed to building strong communities and people through strong corporations and our RAP sets out what we will do as part of that process.’
For more details of ORIC’s reconciliation action plan or for a copy of the RAP, go to ORIC’s website at www.oric.gov.au.xxx
Contact:
Lisa Donnelly
02 6219 7611
10 July 2008
ORIC MR0809–01