Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan November 2023 – November 2024
Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited (BUSHkids) Acknowledgement In the spirit of reconciliation, BUSHkids acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our service operates and recognises their cultural authority and continuing connection to land, waters, and communities in which we work. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and future and respect their wisdom and guidance building stronger futures for their children. We extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partner organisations, professional colleagues and other First Nations families who are an important part of BUSHkids community. About the artwork 5 Reconciliation Australia CEO’s message 6 Chair’s message 7 CEO’s message 8 Our business 10 Our Reconciliation Action Plan 12 Our reconciliation journey 14 Our partnerships 16 Relationships 18 Respect 19 Opportunities 20 Governance 21 Contact 22 Contents
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4 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Artwork: Supporting Community Growth This artwork represents different communities, the support and the looking over of our children and growth. The “Yarning Circle of Growth” is the centrepiece and a representation of BUSHkids. It encapsulates BUSHkids’ values; Child-focused and family-centred, Collaborative and Accountable. The two hands and dots in the centre represent our children’s everlasting print on this earth. Our children are symbolised in the sitting positions, of the inner yarning circle around the hands and the leaf sprouts represent the beginning of their growth. The people sitting outside the children are our caregivers and providers. They are surrounded by the small white dots to signify the sharing of knowledge and special collaborative ingredients in helping us all grow. The outer ‘u’ shapes symbolise our leaders, our Ancestors, looking over our journeys and overseeing the foundations they have implemented. Outside the “Yarning Circle of Growth” is the representation of our community links, their services, and our totems. Our community links are represented in the circle and linking lines, with their services of health, development, education, social and emotional services in the five curved lines – nothing is a straight line. Our totems can be either animal or plant form. These are showcased in the side panels of the wing/scale and leaf patterns. The background consists of different communities. Every community has different line work to represent their Songlines with water surrounding and bringing them together as one. About the artwork Artist: Casey Coolwell-Fisher Casey Coolwell-Fisher is a Nunukul woman of the Quandamooka people from Minjerribah/Terranjeri (North Stradbroke Island). Casey has a creative background in graphic design and is co-founder, alongside her husband Roy Fisher, of CHABOO, a home decor and design business specialising in hand-painted Aboriginal art on wooden products, graphic design and customised murals. BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 5
Reconciliation Australia welcomes Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited (BUSHkids) to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited (BUSHkids) joins a network of more than 2,500 corporate, government, and notfor-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program. Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement. The program’s potential for impact is greater than ever, with close to 3 million people now working or studying in an organisation with a RAP. The four RAP types—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate—allow RAP partners to continuously develop and strengthen reconciliation commitments in new ways. This Reflect RAP will lay the foundations, priming the workplace for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives. The RAP program’s strength is its framework of relationships, respect, and opportunities, allowing an organisation to strategically set its reconciliation commitments in line with its own business objectives, for the most effective outcomes. These outcomes contribute towards the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance. It is critical to not only uphold all five dimensions of reconciliation, but also increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and leadership across all sectors of Australian society. This Reflect RAP enables Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited (BUSHkids) to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions. Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey. Congratulations Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme Limited (BUSHkids), welcome to the RAP program, and I look forward to following your reconciliation journey in the years to come. Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation Australia CEO’s message 6 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
I am honoured to present BUSHkids Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and in doing so confirm our commitment to support the national reconciliation movement, and to more deeply understand how to embed the importance of principles in the way we govern our organisation and plan our services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and stakeholders. Our organisation has a long history of service to regional, rural and remote Queensland, supporting families and children over more than 85 years. I acknowledge the important work of our RAP Working Group who will help position reconciliation at the heart of our service as we forge a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their diversity. As the Board Chair of BUSHkids, I look forward to our involvement in this important undertaking by BUSHkids as we refocus our collective efforts toward greater health equity and better access to care for children and families in our care. Dr Neil Bartels OAM Chair BUSHkids Chair’s message BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 7
I am proud to present BUSHkids first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and acknowledge the importance of reconciliation as a vital step to advancing our Vision for All Queensland children to reach their potential, regardless of where they live. Our RAP acknowledges the importance of better understanding the challenges and disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families resulting from the impacts of discriminatory government practices and racism. We see reconciliation strengthening partnerships with our communities and an important step in breaking down barriers through more meaningful engagement with community organisations, especially Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Through working in a true spirit of reconciliation under the guidance of our first RAP, we will learn to better appreciate those contemporary issues that continue to impact the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and in-turn be able to strengthen our advocacy and cultural safety of our services. The Reflect RAP provides an important framework through which to build knowledge and respect and to celebrate the diversity and strength of culture as an important determinant for health and wellbeing. Our RAP Working Group has undertaken it’s work with a high degree of enthusiasm and enterprise. Its work will underscore our commitment to achieving these important milestones and importantly also to help support one another as we commence for formal journey of reconciliation together with our partners, families and communities. Carlton Meyn Chief Executive Officer BUSHkids CEO’s message 8 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
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Our business BUSHkids is a not-for-profit organisation which has been supporting the health and wellbeing of children and families in Queensland’s regional, rural and remote communities for more than 85 years. Our Vision is that Our organisation provides free preventative and early intervention allied healthcare (both directly and in collaboration with government and other non-government organisations) to children and families who are unable to access services locally due to the unavailability or the affordability of those services. We specifically aim to help disadvantaged children who are at risk of poor health, educational or social outcomes, reach their full potential. We have a long history of service and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Through our RAP process we aim to strengthen our existing partnerships and develop a deeper understanding of the unique experiences and cultural diversity of the many communities in which we operate across Queensland. Our BUSHkids precinct in Brisbane is on the traditional lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people, and we have services in more than 18 towns and villages across Queensland, providing services in a range of settings including partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, local government, education, and disability services. BUSHkids’ purpose is to support children’s health, developmental, educational, and social and emotional wellbeing through equitable and accessible health services. In 2023 our services have approximately 148 staff and nearly 9,000 clients. In 2022 a total of 26,113 occasions of service were provided including individual, group and telepractice sessions. While the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff is currently not known, we will work within this RAP to determine culturally appropriate ways to understand this. To extend the flexibility and tailoring of services to children, BUSHkids provide a range of services including eKindy Pods, Outreach, Children and Parenting Support Services, and Early Childhood Approach under the NDIS. An important aspect of service development is supporting community partnerships and many programs have been customised in collaboration with First Nations community representatives. ‘All Queensland children reach their full potential regardless of where they live.’ 10 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Our Values lay the foundations for relationships within our organisation, with families and communities, and with the many organisations and health professionals we collaborate with to achieve our Vision. Collaborative Accountable Child-focused and family-centred BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 11
Our Reconciliation Action Plan BUSHkids is committed to deepening its understanding of the unique issues that continue to be faced by First Nations people across the many communities in which we operate. We acknowledge the importance of providing services that are culturally safe and will strengthen relationships with First Nations people and organisations and celebrate the cultural diversity of communities across our region. Our core business is the support for children and their families, to form trusting relationships that harness the strengths of individuals and the communities in which they live. We understand cultural safety goes beyond the skills of individual practitioners but must also be embedded across the whole organisation and inform how it designs and supports services to First Nations people. Our REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will guide our organisation as it formally begins its journey of reconciliation; as it reflects on the many valued partnerships it has formed with families, organisations and cultural leaders; and as it engages its staff in supportive learning and cultural development opportunities. Our RAP will provide clear strategic actions that lay the foundations for placing reconciliation at the heart of our service design and delivery, through our understanding and relationships with communities. During its year of implementation, we aim to learn and understand more fully the diversity of First Nations cultures within our service catchment; to acknowledge and build our First Nations workforce, and to strengthen the important partnerships we have developed with First Nations leaders and organisations. We have formed a RAP Working Group (RWG) with representation from across the organisation, including BUSHkids Board members, clinical staff, and executive leadership team. We have representation from First Nations staff and from our organisational and community stakeholder partners. 12 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Reflect RAP Working Group – Committee members: The RAP Working Group includes a cross section of membership across Board, management and programs. One third of the RAP Working Group (3 Members) are First Nations, including one staff member and two independent representatives. Chair of RAP Committee Chair of Friends of BUSHkids Bundaberg and BUSHkids Board Member Judy Peters OAM BUSHkids Board Member Emeritus Professor Deborah Theodoros Chief Executive Officer BUSHkids Carlton Meyn Director Clinical Services and Strategy BUSHkids Susan Harrison First Nations representative Cherbourg Shire Council Mayor Elvie Sandow Quality Compliance Manager BUSHkids Tiffany Bannier-King Family Health Support Worker BUSHkids Warwick – Linda Cholawinskyj First Nations representative Early Intervention Facilitator – BUSHkids Caloundra Kahlia Mattiuzzo First Nations representative Family Wellbeing Service and Family Participation Program – Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd Delphine Charles Secretariat Executive Assistant to the CEO – BUSHkids Melissa Barber The RWG has developed their Terms of Reference to ensure effective oversight of implementation activities and will engage with wider First Nations people to help them in their work. During the next twelve months they will develop the cultural collateral and organisational processes needed to progress the RAP outcomes and maturity. The RWG has embraced the opportunities the RAP brings to the organisation and the strong alignment it has with BUSHkids values and aspirations to ensure equal opportunity in accessing quality care for First Nations children and families. Our RAP will build the capacity for cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and experiences to strengthen current partnerships and nurture new ones. We have supported the establishment of a dedicated RAP champion, Linda Cholawinskij who will be supported to build professional networks and deepen their knowledge to promote reconciliation at all levels of our organisation and aid the work of the RWG and BUSHkids more broadly. BUSHkids will learn to exert their significant sphere of influence and promote its inclusive culture through partnerships and celebrating the authenticity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Most importantly, through implementing the actions of our Reflect RAP, and starting our journey in partnership with Reconciliation Australia, BUSHkids will demonstrate their commitment to improve the cultural safety of their programs and to safeguarding the wellbeing of First Nations children and their families. BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 13
Our reconciliation journey 2015- 2019 The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) address the BUSHkids Staff Conference A developing partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation provided access to vital resources Workshops in Mt Isa to build relationships with Kalkadoon people and other service providers Service expansion in 2015 enable BUSHkids to establish an identified Indigenous Family Support Workers in Southern Queensland Online Cultural Awareness Training introduced into staff inductions and self-directed learning program for all BUSHkids staff Board approve the introduction of new staff uniforms with Indigenous design Workshops in Mt Isa to build relationships with Kalkadoon people and other service providers BUSHkids partnered with local Indigenous health organisation, Nhulundu, in Gladstone, to develop a First Nations adaptation of A Steady Start to School program Creation of First Nations customised resources (posters and postcards) yarns project including staff training and facilitated consultations Partnering with Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement services Happy Jarjum (children) early childhood program in Warwick BUSHkids partner with Western Queensland PHN and Cunnamulla Aboriginal Community Health (CACH) and support co-design to bring BUSHkids outreach services into the Healthy Outback Kids program BUSHkids Practice Principles introduced – working with First Nations families 2014- 2015 2018- 2021 14 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Cherbourg Gundoo Childcare partnership commenced, staff cultural orientation Introduction of a First Nations Allied Health Assistant Early years strategic round table in Cherbourg Bari Djum (children) Health Day early childhood screening held in Cherbourg BUSHkids staff encouraged and supported to participate in local NAIDOC day activities Aboriginal special interests Group established MOU with Angel Flight to support outreach services to Cunnamulla Alignment with Multicultural Queensland Charter and policy updates to build stronger partnerships with ACCHOs Indigenous artwork collateral and designs commissioned through Casey Coolwell-Fisher BUSHkids establish Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group to guide the Implementation of a Reflect RAP Babimim Jharr (family place) – connecting our children, families, and communities – opening of teleBUSHkids Centre, Toowong Precinct Continuing to support existing and new service innovations in partnerships with Goolburri, CACH and Cherbourg Council BUSHkids collaboration with partner Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations for NAIDOC 2023 2021- 2022 2022 2023 BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 15
Our partnerships Healthy Outback Kids Since 2020 BUSHkids has been working with key cultural community stakeholders and Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health (CACH) to support children, families and the community. With funding through the Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) Healthy Outback Kids program, BUSHkids works collaboratively with CACH New Directions team to build upon strengths in the community to support children’s development. BUSHkids model relies on our dedicated clinical team, comprising Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist, with consultation available from other allied health professionals. We provide a regular visiting service, backed up by telepractice and aim to recruit and develop a local Allied Health Assistant. We work with the community with a strong focus on supporting children and families early to achieve the best outcomes. BUSHkids takes a community capacity building approach and provides support and education for parents, early childhood educators and other key stakeholders. Gundoo Early Learning Centre BUSHkids has developed a close partnership with key cultural leaders in Cherbourg through ongoing collaboration with local Elder and Director of the Gundoo Aboriginal Corporation and Day Care Centre, Aunty Jacqui Tapau, and later with Cherbourg’s Mayor, Aunty Elvie Sandow and invited into community to provide support and services for the children and families of Cherbourg. BUSHkids attend Gundoo Early Learning Centre weekly to provide community capacity building as part of Cherbourg’s vision of having a ‘one-stopshop’ for children and families in the community. BUSHkids recruited a local Aboriginal Allied Health Assistant to support the Speech Pathologist and Senior Coordinator to connect families and educators to offer consistent, high- quality services and build trust in the community. 16 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Goolburri Happy Jarjum Program BUSHkids support Children’s Allied Health Services from the purpose-built service centre in Warwick and has formed a partnership with Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd to co-design and deliver a local play group for First Nations Mothers and their children. This has facilitated better access to the BUSHkids Warwick Centre services, which offer a multidisciplinary team comprising Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists and Family Health Support Workers. With support from the Friends of BUSHkids (FoBk) volunteers in Warwick another project was started in 2022 to develop a new Nature Play Area co-designed with cultural input from local Goolburi staff and families. This provides children and families with an outdoor setting where they can engage in unstructured activities such as vegetable and herb gardens, mud pits, dry creek beds, meandering deco pathways, and a yarning circle. BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 17
Relationships Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 1. Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations. • Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence. November 2023 Director Clinical Services and Strategy • Research best practice and principles that support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations. December 2023 Quality Compliance Manager 2. Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW). • Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff. May 2024 Secretariat • RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NRW event. 27 May- 3 June 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Encourage and support staff to participate in at least one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. 27 May- 3 June 2024 Chief Executive Officer 3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence. • Communicate our commitment to reconciliation to all staff. November 2023 Chief Executive Officer • Identify external stakeholders that our organisation can engage with on our reconciliation journey. December 2023 Chief Executive Officer • Identify RAP and other like-minded organisations that we could approach to collaborate with on our reconciliation journey. December 2023 Chief Executive Officer 4. Promote positive race relations through antidiscrimination strategies. • Research best practice and policies in areas of race relations and anti-discrimination. February 2024 Quality Compliance Manager • Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions, and future needs. March 2024 Quality Compliance Manager 18 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Respect Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 5. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning. • Develop a business case for increasing understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights within our organisation. April 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Provide cultural awareness training annually across the whole organisation. Commencing April 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation. November 2023 Quality Compliance Manager 6. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols. • Develop an understanding of the local Traditional Owners or Custodians of the lands and waters within our organisation’s operational area. April 2024 Quality Compliance Manager • Increase staff’s understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural protocols, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols. April 2024 Quality Compliance Manager 7. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week. • Raise awareness and share information amongst our staff about the meaning of NAIDOC Week. June 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Introduce staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting external events in our local area. June 2024 Chief Executive Officer • RAP Working Group to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event. First week in July 2024 Chief Executive Officer BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 19
Opportunities Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 8. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development. • Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within our organisation. June 2024 Director Clinical Services and Strategy / Quality Compliance Manager • Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future employment and professional development opportunities. June 2024 Director Clinical Services and Strategy / Quality Compliance Manager 9. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes. • Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. (could be a policy) December 2023 Quality Compliance Manager • Investigate Supply Nation membership. December 2023 Quality Compliance Manager 20 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Governance Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 10. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP. • Maintain a RWG to govern RAP Implementation. June 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Review RWG and Terms of Reference. May 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RWG. June 2024 Chief Executive Officer • Maintain a senior leader to champion our RAP internally. June 2024 Chief Executive Officer 11. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments. • Define resource needs for RAP implementation. December 2023 Chief Executive Officer • Engage all levels of leadership in the delivery of RAP commitments. December 2023 Chief Executive Officer • Define appropriate systems and capability to track, measure and report on RAP commitments. November 2023 Chief Executive Officer / Secretariat 12. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally. • Contact Reconciliation Australia to verify that our primary and secondary contact details are up to date, to ensure we do not miss out on important RAP correspondence. June annually Secretariat • Contact Reconciliation Australia to request our unique link, to access the online RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire. 1 August annually Secretariat • Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia. • Prepare a key achievements report annually against RAP approved activities. 30 September, annually Chief Executive Officer / Secretariat 13. Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP. • Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP. September 2024 Chief Executive Officer / Secretariat BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024 | 21
Contact Carlton Meyn Chief Executive Officer Phone: 07 3870 7288 Email: carlton@bushkids.org.au 22 | BUSHkids | Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2024
Acknowledgement The preparation of the BUSHkids Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was assisted by Petraichor Partners consultancy services and supported though Perpetual IMPACT Philanthropy Program funding (2019).
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