Reconciliation
Mid North Coast Legal Centre is excited to have launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on 4 April 2019. Since opening its doors in 2011, MNCLC has worked hard on fostering positive relationships and meaningful engagement with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A RAP provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement. MNCLC’s Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Catherine Peek, Executive Office for Mid North Coast Legal Centre explains, “Our vision for reconciliation is a culture that embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians as well as a culture that represents equality and equity, historical acceptance of our shared history and removal of negative race relations.”
MNCLC collaborated with renowned artist Brentyn Lugnan who created a piece that represents the service and its connection to community. Brentyn explained the design that is now on the cover and throughout the RAP:
“The design represents both what the organisation does and where the services are offered. 
The three areas of Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree are represented by the three community symbols that come together at the MNC Legal Centre. The legal Centre is symbolised by the circle at the centre which shows people meeting. There is a river running through the design, which represents the freshwater people services by the legal Centre.”
“We created our RAP with the vision to make a positive difference within MNCLC and in the broader community through reconciliation and our RAP sets out our plan for delivering on that”, Aboriginal Engagement Officer Latoya Smith said.
Click here to download the Innovate: Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021
MNCCLC Innovate RAP Deliverables Update: August 2020
| Outcomes by deliverable | |
| RELATIONSHIPS | 1. Meetings set for the year, invitation extended, Aboriginal people represented on the working group.
2. Reconciliation week – attended events and hosted one at MNCLC in 2019. Unfortunately, events were canceled in 2020 due to COVID19, however we participated in some online events. 3. Visits to local Aboriginal service providers moved online. All staff and volunteers receive cultural awareness training on induction. Survey three clients every Wednesday. 4. Events have been on hold due to COVID19. Online engagement through Facebook and YouTube videos has been crucial. All events are built into outlook calendars. 5. RAP launched in Port Macquarie and Taree. When COVID19 restrictions ease, we will do something in Coffs Harbour
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| RESPECT | 1. Annual cultural awareness training for new staff and volunteers with Aboriginal Engagement Officer. Local cultural protocols training. Staff training is a standing item in meetings.
2. Launch of RAP, all ALA and Coffs Harbour office opening we had a welcome to country and all other meetings an acknowledgment of country. This has been built into organisational policy. 3. NAIDOC preparations are occurring to prepare for some online events from 8-15 November 2020. 4. Plaque in front office Port Macquarie and organising a painting with plaque for Coffs Harbour.
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| OPPORTUNITIES | 1. Employment retention strategy complete and incorporated in ALA policy. Link with Tramby and Aurora Project. Study is encouraged, all vacancies advertised in Koori mail and Aboriginal interagency (as well as other forums) in accordance with policy. Aboriginal Engagement Officer attends Yarn Up at CLCNSW quarterly meeting.
2. Professional development opportunities provided and education and leadership opportunities (Tribal Wave – NCARA). Study leave available and encouraged. 3. Constant revision of policy and list of services in our region to update Legal Practice Manual. 4. Board member who identifies as Aboriginal joined ALA Board and attended first meeting in June 2019.
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| GOVERNANCE | 1. Quarterly updates on RAP progress to staff and volunteers.
2. Update to Board on RAP through board report. 3. Report on RAP in ALA annual report. 4. Report on challenges and achievements to funding body through reporting. 5. Publicly report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings on website.
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