Dietitians Australia acknowledges all traditional custodians of the lands, waters and seas that we work and live on across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future and thank them for their continuing custodianship.
What is reconciliation?
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. This will benefit all Australians.
Our commitment
We support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and members of all cultures.
We're committed to cultural understanding and knowledge among our members and staff.
It’s now more important than ever that we take action and work towards a more equal, respectful and just society.
We hope to empower other organisations to join our commitment to reconciliation, which we're implementing through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Working Group (RAPWG).
Dietitians Australia and the RAPWG accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to build a better future. Dietitians Australia fully supports the recommendation for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the constitution. Read the full statement.
Our reconciliation journey
In 2013, our Board asked the Indigenous Nutrition Interest Group (INIG) to look into a reconciliation plan.
The INIG identified the need for a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The plan would formalise our commitment to reconciliation and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
We then formed our RAP Working Group (RAPWG). This launched our reconciliation journey. The Working Group includes 3 Aboriginal members, 6 non-Indigenous members and 1 staff member.
Our journey has included both big and small contributions to reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation is now an integral part of our organisation.
Learn more about our journey (PDF, 6.46MB).
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Our RAP provides us with a policy to develop plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities.
It also:
- builds awareness of reconciliation
- provides a framework for our reconciliation initiatives
- advances staff and member knowledge of, and respect for, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures
- promotes culturally appropriate practices and welcoming workplaces
- shares our knowledge with the wider community
- gives advice on how to get involved in reconciliation
- fosters deeper connections between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the wider community
We have released 3 RAPS:
- REFLECT RAP: February 2017 - February 2018
- INNOVATE RAP: November 2018 - November 2020
- INNOVATE RAP: August 2022 - August 2024
REFLECT RAP: February 2017 – February 2018
Our first RAP was released February 2017.
Many achievements have been made since the release, including:
- ‘terms of reference’ developed for the RAP Working Group (RAPWG)
- quarterly RAPWG teleconferences established
- communications plan implemented to raise awareness amongst staff and members
- strengthened relationships with a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
- engagement during cultural events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week
- cultural protocols such as an 'Acknowledgement of Country' incorporated within Dietitians Australia activities
Read the REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan.
INNOVATE RAP: November 2018 - November 2020
Our second RAP included deliverables to advance staff and member knowledge of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. It helped us to cultivate that knowledge in the community.
Read the INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan.
INNOVATE RAP: August 2022 - August 2024
Our third RAP (another INNOVATE RAP) showcases our ongoing commitment to advance reconciliation. It highlights our recent achievements and learnings, and our plans for action in the areas of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance.
Read our second INNOVATE Reconcilation Action Plan.
Resources
Education and awareness are key steps to creating positive change. To support cultural awareness, we have created a hub of resources on our member portal.
Some of the resources include:
- cultural capability training options
- a list of key cultural dates
- recommended reading and videos
- NAIDOC webinars
NAIDOC webinars are free for Dietitians Australia members. Non-members can access them for a small fee.
Access the resources on our member portal.