Developing a RAP is a goodwill gesture that provides a guide for understanding Aboriginal cultural and assists to break down stereotypes and form relationships with Aboriginal communities.

 

Urban Colours have been instrumental in the development of a number of RAPs for clients ranging from Government to large private enterprises. As part of this processs we constantly asked how we turn this goodwill gesture into real life outcomes. There are a number of initiatives we action to assist our clients to understand Aboriginal people and culture and to take a positive step towards real reconciliation. .

 

What is a RAP? 

 

• A RAP is a tool to help Council strengthen and build positive relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people within and outside the organisation.

• A RAP provides Council with a framework/format for exploring how reconciliation can advance our business / organisational objectives – e.g. Corporate Plan, Community Plan. 

• A RAP is a public contribution towards the national effort by all levels of government and the private sector to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children – through initiatives such as Council's Indigenous Employment Strategy. 

 

Some of these initiatives are included below.

 

How Can We Help? 

 

Managing Director Annette Xiberras is a Wurundjeri Elder and a former staff member with Aboriginal Affairs. She is well-placed to provide advice on RAP development and how to action existing RAPs. Annette holds a number of official positions including, but not limited to, the following;

 

• Co-chair, Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group

• Chair, City of Melbourne Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee

• Chair, City of Yarra Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee

• Committee Member for the Department of Sustainability and Environment State Round Table

• Committee Member, Zoos Victoria

• Committee Member for the National Trust

• Member of Wurundjeri Tribe Committee of Management

• Board of Directors for Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

 

We provide the following initiatives to assist with actioning your RAP.

 

• Cross Cultural Experiences

• Cross Cultural Awareness in the work place

• Aboriginal people having opportunities to manage their own cultural heritage

• Understanding State Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Legislation

• Guided Tours (Walking on country / eco-tours): 

• Artefact Workshops / Displays

• Community / Open Days

• Aboriginal History (Research and Implementation)

• Facilitating connection between corporate clients and Aboriginal small / medium businesses

• Information Nights

• Indigenous Planting / Revegetation Works

• Cultural Workshops

• Kindergarten / School Incursions

• Art / Interpretation / road names

• Employment opportunities for Aboriginal people

• Company-wide awareness

• Form a RAP working group comprising Aboriginal peoples and other Australians, to support the implementation of your RAP.

• Connecting you to small - medium Aboriginal Enterprises

• Welcome to country

• Providing advice for  tender process to include opportnities for Aboriginal business

• Increase spend / procurement Aboriginal business

• Advertise your RAP 

• Form strong and lasting realtionships with Traditional Owner Groups and Native Title Holders.

 

If your organisation would like to understand how we can assist you with your RAP or how we might action an existing RAP, please use our contact page for more information.