Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) are practical plans of action based on three key elements - relationships, respect and opportunities. RAPs help workplaces build understanding, promote meaningful engagement, increase equality, and create sustainable employment opportunities and positive outcomes.
A RAP is a strategic document that supports the City of Bayswater's Business Plan. It includes practical actions that will drive the City's contribution to reconciliation within the organisation, and in the communities in which it operates.
The RAP program provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement.
The RAP program contributes to advancing the five elements of reconciliation:
- Race relations
- Equality and equity
- Institutional integrity
- Historical acceptance
- Unity.
No matter where an organisation is on its reconciliation journey, there is a RAP to suit. Workplaces can be supported to develop one of four types of RAP:
- Reflect
- Innovate
- Stretch
- Elevate.
Each of the four RAP types describe what is required to build strong relationships, respect and opportunities within the organisation and wider community.
The City of Bayswater is currently awaiting final endorsement from Reconciliation Australia for its 'Reflect'RAP.
A Reflect RAP has prepared the City for reconciliation initiatives in successive RAPs. A Reflect RAP has allowed the City to spend time scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on its vision for reconciliation and exploring its sphere of influence before committing to specific actions or initiatives. This process will help to produce future RAPs that are meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable.