A steering committee has met every 2–3 months to oversee the RAP. Here is what some of them said about what the RAP means to them: Having a RAP has encouraged me to engage in events throughout the year which in the past I have let happen around me. It has also lead me to read more about local Aboriginal history and Angus McMillian who and lead the slaughter of hundreds of Gunaikurnai people. ‘discovered Gippsland’ Ana Talko-Nicholas, VLA Lawyer In high school I read Women of the Sun written by Hyllus Maris. This was the beginning of my reconciliation journey, including reflection on my own privilege and power and how I use this in my work and personal life. VLA having a RAP is significant to me because the reconciliation journey is a process that is not just about the individual but organisations, communities and policy and law makers. Helen Makregiorgos, Manager of Independent Mental Health Advocacy of Aboriginal background, the Reconciliation Action Plan is not just work, it is ‘Being personal.’ Craig Cairney, VLA lawyer involved in the RAP steering committee has been really important for me and encouraged me to ‘Being think actively about how we can better engage with the Koori community as well as thinking more intimately about how we can continue to create and strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with Koori agencies. ‘ Laura Chipp, Manager of Youth Crime am very proud that VLA has taken this step and for me personally, one measure of success will be in ‘I seeing increasing numbers of Indigenous employees throughout the organisation.’ Kimberley Ison, VLA Lawyer What we want to do next Promoting and simplifying employment pathways Strengthening our community legal education work Improving access to civil and family law services Working with our partner organisations to identify and address systemic injustices Recruiting Aboriginal Field Officers
A steering committee has met every 2–3 months to oversee the RAP. Here is what some of them said about what the RAP means to them: Having a RAP has encouraged me to engage in events throughout the year which in the past I have let happen around me. It has also lead me to read more about local Aboriginal history and Angus McMillian who ‘discovered Gippsland’ and lead the slaughter of hundreds of Gunaikurnai people. Ana Talko-Nicholas, VLA Lawyer In high school I read Women of the Sun written by Hyllus Maris. This was the beginning of my reconciliation journey, including reflection on my own privilege and power and how I use this in my work and personal life. VLA having a RAP is significant to me because the reconciliation journey is a process that is not just about the individual but organisations, communities and policy and law makers. Helen Makregiorgos, Manager of Independent Mental Health Advocacy ‘Being of Aboriginal background, the Reconciliation Action Plan is not just work, it is personal.’ Craig Cairney, VLA lawyer ‘Being involved in the RAP steering committee has been really important for me and encouraged me to think actively about how we can better engage with the Koori community as well as thinking more intimately about how we can continue to create and strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with Koori agencies. ‘ Laura Chipp, Manager of Youth Crime ‘I am very proud that VLA has taken this step and for me personally, one measure of success will be in seeing increasing numbers of Indigenous employees throughout the organisation.’ Kimberley Ison, VLA Lawyer What we want to do next Promoting and simplifying employment pathways Strengthening our community legal education work Improving access to civil and family law services Working with our partner organisations to identify and address systemic injustices Recruiting Aboriginal Field Officers
vla-reconciliation-action-plan-report-card-2016.docx