Message From are-able CEO Tom Scarborough
I’d like to acknowledge all Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live, work and provide our services, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
I am pleased to formally acknowledge are-able’s commitment to reconciliation and share with you our first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Undertaking our reconciliation journey through developing a “Reflect” Reconciliation Action Plan, we take time to reflect on how we as an organisation can contribute to the reconciliation movement in a meaningful way. Throughout this process, we are establishing deeper connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. We are listening, learning and taking their input and advice on the actions and initiatives that we will commit to.
are-able’s vision of ‘Inclusive, thriving communities’ aligns with our reconciliation journey and is supported by our values of Respect, Empathy, Innovation, and Integrity.
are-able is committed to ongoing learning and reconciliation with First Nations people. This journey is one which we are dedicated to taking in consultation with Traditional Landowners, local community groups, and other like-minded service providers and organisations.
I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to developing this document: Sandra Brogden for her guidance and support, our staff for their passion and willingness to learn, local community groups, and Traditional Owner groups for their time, guidance and sharing of knowledge.
I look forward to working with our communities, Board, Executive Team, staff, and clients to implement are-able’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
About are-able Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Cover Artwork
The handprints which appear on the cover and throughout are-able’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) are from are-able staff members. These handprints represent the individual commitment of people to join are-able on our reconciliation journey – to reflect, learn and connect with First Nations people with an open heart and mind. The handprints were collected from are-able staff across our 16 regional locations during a 2021 National Reconciliation Week activity.