DLGSC launches Reconciliation Action Plan during National Reconciliation Week

Whadjuk Noongar Elder Barry Winmar conducted a smoking ceremony in Leederville, as well as delivering a moving Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance for attendees in the room, and staff attending online from DLGSC offices across the state.

Held during National Reconciliation Week, the launch also featured a dance performance by the Dadajaal Dance Company and speeches by the Hon David Templeman, Minister for Culture and the Arts; and Sport and Recreation; and Garnduwa CEO Mick Albert.

Director General Lanie Chopping reflected on DLGSC’s unique role which includes supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share and celebrate First Nations cultures and languages, helping Western Australians connect to their Aboriginal ancestry, and nurturing our state’s talented artists, performers and athletes.

“This Reflect RAP is the outcome of almost 12 months of robust, heartfelt reflections and discussions by our department’s staff and stakeholders,” she said.

“I encourage every one of us to embody our goal of reconciliation within the workplace, as well as our everyday lives.”

DLGSC’s Reflect RAP sets out a framework to support reconciliation across all aspects of the department’s portfolio responsibilities and locations, to achieve mutual understanding, allyship and improved cultural safety.

Developed with input from staff from across our metropolitan and regional offices, and guidance from IPS Management Services, the plan sets out a clear framework of actions to help all staff take practical and tangible action to support reconciliation across all areas and locations of our department.

The Reflect RAP was designed by award-winning agency Nani Creative, featuring work by Noongar Yamatji artist Connie Clinch.

The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is Now More Than Ever — a reminder that it has never been more important to keep working to advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and take meaningful action to support the cause of reconciliation.