Stronger communities
through reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
of this country will be restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect.
Please note
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are respectfully advised that this web page may contain images and or voices of deceased persons. In some instances, images of clients may also be included, however, names and images may have been changed to protect the privacy and identity of the individuals we support.
Our reconciliation journey
We have long worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as colleagues, providers of support, and as partners in our communities. Mission Australia was among the first not-for-profit organisations in Australia to develop and implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our first Reflect RAP was implemented in 2009. From 2017 to 2019 we implemented our first Innovate RAP, followed by our second Innovate RAP from 2022 to 2023. In 2024 we developed our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, focused on four pillars: cultural safety; culturally appropriate service delivery; positive partnerships; and courageous voice.
These pillars now form the foundation for our 2025–2028 Stretch RAP, building on 15 years of progress and lessons learned.
Mission Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy
As part of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy we will focus our reconciliation efforts on four pillars:
1. Building a culturally safe organisation
We want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to seek work and remain working at Mission Australia.
2. Culturally appropriate service delivery
We're focussing on providing culturally safe and high quality supports and housing.
3. Positive partnerships at all levels
We focus on positive partnerships at a community, state and national level.
4. Courageous voice for systems change
We work to persuade decision-makers to change systems to enable choice and voice.
Our progress so far (FY24-2025)
Key achievements delivered in the most recent reporting period.
139
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
$493,990
Procurement spend through 54 Supply Nation suppliers.
611
Partnerships at all levels. 106 formal, 505 informal.
628
Staff members completed online cultural learning training.
Our Stretch RAP targets (2025–2028)
Our Stretch RAP sets clear, measurable goals. These targets guide our action and accountability across the organisation.
- Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff representation to 8%.
- 80% of new starters complete online cultural awareness training within 6 months.
- 60% of all staff complete formal cultural awareness training over the 3âyear RAP period.
- Maintain 50+ formal twoâway partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or organisations.
- Maintain procurement of $500,000+ per year from Supply Nation suppliers.
Acknowledgement of Country
Mission Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the culture and dreams of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continual relationship with the land and we recognise the importance of the young people who are our future leaders.
Hear from our people
In 2022 Elle Davidson became the first First Nations representative on the Mission Australia Board.
Elle Davidson, is a proud Balanggarra woman from the East Kimberley and member of Mission Australia’s Service Impact Committee, Director of Zion Engagement and Planning and Aboriginal Planning Lecturer with University of Sydney. She has worked in community engagement and the planning industry for more than a decade.
I’m grateful to bring a First Nations voice to the Board and use my lived experiences to inform conversation and strategy.
Since joining in 2019, I’ve found the organisation aligns with my values and is dedicated to ensuring First Nations people can thrive.