State Trustees launches inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan

State Trustees is pleased to develop and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation by launching our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on 3 July.

The launch of our Reflect RAP is a significant milestone in our reconciliation journey and reaffirms our commitment to serving Victorians from all walks of life.

Speaking at the launch, State Trustees’ CEO John Velegrinis spoke about the State Trustees reconciliation journey and the initiatives taken to educate our people on our understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights. This laid the groundwork for our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

“Our organisation is in the initial stages of achieving the goals and aspirations outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan that will support everyone at State Trustees engage in reconciliation meaningfully. We will continue to work to fulfil the commitments outlined, as they build a solid foundation for us to deliver a meaningful contribution to Australia’s reconciliation journey, standing alongside First Nation’s peoples,” he said.

State Trustees is working towards reconciliation by partnering with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Koori team to support culturally safe options for First peoples going to VCAT and implementing cultural awareness training for our employees.

At a special launch event, we had the honour and privilege of listening to didgeridoo virtuoso and innovator Ganga Giri share the history of the Kulin nation through his Acknowledgment of Country and his unique music. Ganga Giri is a Palawa man and an international performer, presenter and educator. He shares didgeridoo and culture through modern and ancient musical experiences.

State Trustees also commemorated the event by installing the Four Sisters Coming Together original artwork by Melissa Bell purchased by the State Trustees through The Torch project.

Melissa is a proud Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta woman who paints where she comes from, her totem and her country. Since 2011, The Torch has been providing art, cultural and industry support to First Nations offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program.

The artwork has been used in our Reconciliation Action Plan and presented on lanyards for our people to wear proudly.

The next steps in State Trustees’ journey to reconciliation is to establish and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, promote reconciliation through our influence, support the effective implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan commitments while working on developing our next plan and to foster accountability and transparency through annual reporting on our progress, challenges, and learnings.

We hope our collective efforts will lead to respectful partnerships and informed decisions, creating an environment that empowers our First Nations communities.