6 Jul, 2025
This week marks a significant milestone as we join communities and organisations around Australia in celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week. Observed annually, NAIDOC Week honours the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides the opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.
NAIDOC organisers say, “This year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” recognises the achievements of the past while looking forward to a bright future guided by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities and the legacy of ancestors.”
It’s fitting then, that after months of work and consultation with Reconciliation Australia, Fresh Hope Communities is pleased to launch its inaugural Reflect RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan).
Samuel Fraser from Reconciliation Australia said, “On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I would like to congratulate Fresh Hope [Communities] on a great plan which we are pleased to endorse as a Reflect RAP.”
In her endorsement of the Reflect RAP, Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia said, “Reconciliation Australia welcomes Fresh Hope Communities to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP.
“Fresh Hope Communities joins a network of more than 3,000 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program.”
RAP commitments drive awareness and understanding of the importance of strong relationships and surveys conducted by Reconciliation Australia1 have demonstrated the positive impact RAPs are having – fostering stronger relationships, increasing respect and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For Fresh Hope Communities, this is the first step on our journey of listening, learning, understanding and working towards greater collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our communities.
NAIDOC Week events and activities are being held across communities this week—from family fun days, marches, movie nights, art exhibitions and music to yarns and forums. You can learn more and find out about what is happening in your local area here.
Our Reflect RAP is available to read here.
Thank you to all who have been involved in bringing this to fruition.
2024 Australian Reconciliation Barometer and 2024 Workplace RAP Barometer – Reconciliation Australia