Earlier this year we had our ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) had been endorsed. For those who do not know what a RAP is, it is a formal statement, committing to contribute to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As Naidoc week is next week 3-10th July we thought it was a good time to reflect on our journey in the understanding of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander People. Naidoc week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations culture and histories in the celebrations of the oldest continuous living cultures on earth. So where are we?
- We are endeavouring to learn more and educate ourselves about issues affecting First Nations and Torres Strait Islander People.
- We are continuing to make connections within our local community.
- We are talking to our clients about First Nations connections to their country.
- We are learning about how First Nations People used to live on the land and how Europeans have changed it.
Places People Love. That is our motto here. We aim to do this by ensuring that all people are acknowledged, respected, and heard when we design spaces. We work across Queensland, and this takes us into many countries and many different communities. It allows us to meet amazing people. We learn more about our clients, and their needs and discover more about Australia and this beautiful place we all call home.
We are not just a company that wants to say the right things, we want to be doing something about it. Change is not about just having the policies, it is about living, breathing, and designing. It is about creating a safe place of understanding. Of accepting that we are limited in our understanding and that with open hearts and minds, we can create a place of growth, respect, and change. Reconciliation to us is a safe place to learn, understand, to talk and a place that allows First Nations People to feel empowered to share their perspectives on reconciliation.
We are excited to be opening our hearts and minds to learning. Understanding we will not always get it right. But we are going to keep learning as we go. So, this Naidoc week we invite you to get involved and join us in listening and learning with open hearts.