Reconciliation Action Plan

NAIDOC Week 2025 is July 6 to 13. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Attend one of the many NAIDOC Week events happening in Darwin this week.

Welcome to City of Darwin's Second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Building on the achievements of our first RAP, this document outlines the progress and the results achieved during its implementation.

Our first RAP yielded numerous positive outcomes, including the establishment of new advisory groups, the appointment of a dedicated First Nations-identified Reconciliation Action Lead, and an increase in our First Nations staff representation from 6 per cent to 7.8 per cent.

This second plan marks the evolution of our reconciliation journey, further advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation: Race Relations, Equality and Equity, Institutional Integrity, Unity, and Historical Acceptance. Over the next two years, we are dedicated to specific actions across these five foundational areas.

City of Darwin's second RAP emphasises a stronger focus on the Larrakia community to foster better understanding and collaboration with Larrakia representative bodies.

Key Achievements

Established a full-time Reconciliation Action Lead, First Nations-identifiedIntroduced a Staff Award, recognising reconciliation effortsFounded a 20-member First Nations Staff Support Network

Created the Reconciliation Implementation Group, to action our planStrengthened ties with Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation through various activitiesImplemented First Nations Procurement Criteria in tender processes

Increased First Nations staff from 6 per cent to 7.8 per cent, moving towards a reflection of the 10.4 per cent of Darwin’s populationEngaged Cross Cultural Consultants to help drive RAP deliveryFormed an external Reconciliation Advisory Committee with strong representation across First Nations organisations and community representation

“As a staff member of 38 years, I believe that the First Nation’s staff support network is very important as it provides help, guidance, and someone for First Nation’s staff to talk to who they are comfortable with. The First Nation’s staff support network also provides an avenue for feedback to other staff within City of Darwin in order to make it a good place to work for all”

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Tony Vincent, Chair of the First Nations Staff Support Network

 Staff at Reconciliation Week Bush Food Lunch 2023    Damien Mick presenting on Reconciliation Network for the NT 2023    Operations Centre Staff with Cross Cultural Consultants Jason Elsegood at Reconciliation Week Breakfast 2023

Next Steps

City of Darwin, situated on Larrakia Country, strives to build stronger relationships with the Larrakia and other First Nations communities. Our journey to reconciliation is guided by respect, inclusivity, and trust, supported by various stakeholders.

Our action plan focuses on four key criteria:

1.Relationships: Build stronger relationships with Larrakia and other First Nations People and organisations to move towards a more reconciled community.

  • Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations stakeholders and organisations
  • Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
  • Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence
  • Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.

2.Respect: Show respect through cultural celebrations and protocols.

  • Increase understanding, value and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights through cultural learning
  • Promote Darwin as a destination known for Larrakia culture and landmarks
  • Demonstrate respect to First Nations Peoples by observing cultural protocols
  • Build respect for First Nations cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.

3. Opportunities: Provide pathways and opportunities to Larrakia and First Nations staff to contribute to Closing the Gap and to achieving better outcomes for all.

  • Improve employment outcomes by increasing First Nations recruitment, retention and professional development
  • Increase First Nations supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.

4. Governance: Promote transparency and accountability.

  • Establish and maintain an effective RAP Implementation Group to drive governance of the RAP
  • Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments
  • Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally
  • Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP

Download City of Darwin's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan August 2023- July 2025

Progress

Reporting Period July - December 2023

Download report

Reporting Period January - June 2024

Download report

Reporting Period July - December 2024

Download report

Reporting Period January - June 2025

Coming soon

 

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