It was our greatest pleasure to officially launch the St Bart’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on November 10, 2022.
In what was perhaps one of the most moving events we’ve had the pleasure of hosting at our East Perth premises, we were honoured to witness and be part of the ancient custom of a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Aunty Marie Taylor and family members Chelsea and Tryse.
Following speeches from our CEO Samantha Drury and Chairperson Mel Ashton, which highlighted the sad reality that First Nations Australians are over-represented in the population of people experiencing homelessness, we heard from our First Nations staff member, Amy Neave.
Powerfully poignant, very honest and incredibly moving, Amy spoke of her hope for St Bart’s to deliver on our vision of enabling a culture of support and security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and residents to thrive at St Bart’s.
We were also privileged to hear from Reconciliation WA CEO Jody Nunn, and Minister for Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government John Carey MLA, before a spectacular dance performance by Binar Futures.
While there is plenty of work to be done we are extremely delighted to present our Reflect RAP, which is just the beginning of our ongoing journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities.
You can read St Bart’s full RAP here – https://bit.ly/3NSCKS2
Photography: Duncan Wright
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.