Importance of the Reconciliation Action Plan

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a guide for all agencies and parishes to build respective relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to gain an understanding and appreciation of the effects of racism (systemic and casual); to acknowledge historical impacts of colonialisation on contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and identify opportunities to build new pathways. This will be addressed through a series of activities and learning opportunities.

There are four types of RAP—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate. The Archdiocese of Brisbane’s RAP is an Innovate RAP, which is about implementing reconciliation. It 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.

The implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan will be piloted by the Parishes of Beenleigh, Bracken Ridge, Cleveland, Inala, Zillmere and Stafford.  Evangelisation Brisbane is the agency piloting the Reconciliation Action Plan and is also working with Centacare and an Archdiocesan Services Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group has been established to complete actions pertaining to their respective agencies.

The first version of the RAP was launched on Tuesday 17^th November 2020. It led to the Archdiocese being nominated for the 2021 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

The second iteration of the RAP was re-launched at the inaugural Archdiocesan Reconciliation Dinner held on 14^th September 2023.

This version of the RAP again has the endorsement of the Canberra based peak body Reconciliation Australia and covers all agencies, parishes and communities for the period 2023 – 2025.

As an Archdiocesan strategic priority, committed to by the Executive Directors of all Archdiocesan agencies (Archdiocesan Services, Brisbane Catholic Education, Centacare, Catholic Early EdCare, Xavier), it will remain in place beyond the succession of Archbishop Mark Coleridge (whose formal mandatory resignation letter was sent to Pope Francis in September 2023).

In declaring the RAP 2.0 operational, Archbishop Coleridge acknowledged committing the Archdiocese to serious and perhaps even costly action that will involve sacrifice.

“With regards our First Nations sisters and brothers it’s not enough just to listen, although that’s crucial because it’s where it begins. Nor is it enough just to learn, nor is it even enough just to love unless the love becomes action.”

“So we commit ourselves to that action; the action which takes concrete shape in the reconciliation plan.”

View the first and second Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese iterations of the RAP:

• 2023-2025 Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese Innovate RAP
• 2020 Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese Innovate RAP

• Artist and artwork information

  Artist and artwork information

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  About the artwork

  This artwork represents the Archdiocese of Brisbane being the face of the Catholic Church of South East Queensland. In my design, I wanted to show the journey of faith guided by the Spirit. Where the blue meets the green, that main path represents the journey heading towards the centre. It’s the spirit figure that is guiding them. The main circle also represents the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s community as a whole. From the centre, it branches out to the smaller circles to support and stay connected to the vulnerable in our communities. The white dots are the healing power that highlights through the design, coming from the spirit. Where I have placed the smaller circles show different people throughout the community by being inclusive. The little figure in the smaller circles are my interpretation of a person, using Aboriginal symbols. The black lines that flow in the background spread the good news simply and effectively. I really enhanced the main circle with layers and dots, to enhance governance structures and systems in bright colours being responsive and innovative.

  

  About the artist Shara Delaney

  My name is Shara Delaney. I’m a descendant of the Noonuccal, Ngugi and Geonpul clan groups of Quandamooka that is located on the east coast of Brisbane. I grew up in the Redlands and always maintained my connection to country. I find the importance of belong and having a relationship with the land and sea. Having a sense of community has always been important to me. Being able to engage with community through art as a cultural practice brings me joy.