By working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we are moving toward healing, justice, self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Uniting Communities respects the enduring spiritual relationship Aboriginal societies have with land and sea and the importance of this relationship to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people, including their languages and customs.
Uniting Communities acknowledges that the past practices and policies of the Church and State has contributed to the trauma still experienced by our First Australians today.
By seeking reconciliation and working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, Uniting Communities will move towards healing, justice, self determination and empowerment for Aboriginal people.
Through our Plan, Uniting Communities will improve opportunities for Aboriginal staff, access to services for Aboriginal people and connections to Aboriginal communities.
About the artwork
This artwork represents Uniting Communities’ commitment to the 2024 Reconciliation Action Plan, and symbolises the under-pinning values of Truth, Healing, Justice and Self-Determination being embedded throughout organisational policy, procedure and employee practice.
From the Artist:
"For true equality, I believe we need to break through the constraints of ‘normal’ or ‘standard’ institutionalised policy and procedure frameworks in a way that allows us to continue to create meaningful change in our approach to providing culturally sensitive community services, and culturally safe work environments."
I wanted to do something Bold because Reconciliation to me means Equality.
Artwork by Kokatha, Dieri, Arbana and Narungga artist Raquel Larkins.
About the Artist
My name is Raquel Larkins, I am a proud Kokatha, Dieri, Arabana and Narungga woman.
I started painting a few years ago as a form of healing and self-care. Painting allowed me to feel connected to my family and to tell my stories of being on Country while living in the city.
I was born, and now live on Kaurna Country with my children.
