Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Mission Australia believes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should enjoy a quality of life with every opportunity to succeed.

Working closely with local communities - in metro, regional and remote areas, we work to address training, employment, education, child and families’ needs.

Mission Australia’s vision for reconciliation is that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this country will be restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect.

In 2009 we became the first welfare organisation in Australia to launch a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – a strategy to help reduce the gap in living standards between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their fellow Australians.

Developed under the auspices of Reconciliation Australia’s RAP program and in consultation with Aboriginal employees and clients, our plan is underpinned by the themes of relationships, respect and opportunities.

For more information, download our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Mission Australia's National Aboriginal Advisor - Steve Cochrane

Since commencing in 2009, Steve Cochrane has made it a priority to build a close relationship between Mission Australia and the Aboriginal communities we work with. Steve’s people are the Gumbamberah people of South Eastern Queensland and he is well versed in the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia. "Within Mission Australia, I am exploring ways in which we can contribute to closing the gap. For many, this is the age difference between when Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people die. This is just one area where gaps exist. Although health is the major area of need, other areas – including education and employment – are just as important in the lifestyles of future generations."

In addition to working in the community, Steve is heavily involved in the promotion of Mission Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan – to ensure that information is provided to assist staff in their individual and corporate roles in realising cultural appreciation.

To email Steve Cochrane click here.

Acknowledgement of Land

Mission Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians past and present upon whose ancestral lands we are gathered today. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land.

Recent news and current affairs

• New partnership to help Indigenous job seekers check in to the hospitality industry
• Meet our new Alice Springs manager
• Charcoal Lane marks NAIDOC Week and its second birthday
• St George duo go the extra mile for job seekers
• Celebrating NAIDOC Week
• Have you even met an Aboriginal person?
• Taste of Reconciliation Dinner
• 'Fantastic food and spirit of a fair go come together' at Charcoal Lane
• MA teams feeling the VIBE in Goulburn

Resources

Aboriginal language groups - interactive map
Click the image to the right to view ABC Online's Indigenous Language Map.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Significant Dates 2011
View or download the document here.

Australia.gov.au resources
Visit the website for extensive resources.

ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation
ANTaR is the only non-Aboriginal national advocacy organisation dedicated specifically to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Visit the ANTaR website for information.

Appropriate Terminology for Aboriginal Australian people
Visit the Flinders University website for a guide to appropriate language use for Aboriginal history, society, naming, culture and classification.

Australian Human Rights Commission
Visit the AHRC website for questions and answers about Aboriginal people, migrants and asylum seekers.

Closing the Gap - Prime Minister's Report 2010
Following the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples in February 2008, the Federal Government set six targets to close the gap in life expectancy and opportunities between Aboriginal Australians and the rest of the population - this report details progress against these targets. Download the report from the FAHCSIA website.

Department of Aboriginal Affairs, NSW
The NSW Government has proposed an amendment to the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW), by inserting a new section recognising the first nations and people of NSW, their contributions to the state and relationship with traditional lands. Download the discussion paper from the DAA website.

Many Rivers Opportunities
Many Rivers Opportunities (MRO) is an operating microenterprise development organisation that exists to help marginalised Australians improve their circumstances through the provision of microenterprise development support, including microfinance. Visit the MRO website for information.

NAIDOC - National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee
Today, NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal Australians in various fields. Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. Visit the NAIDOC website for information.

National Health and Medical Research Council
NHMRC's commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is being implemented through a strategic approach based on priorities identified by Aboriginal people. Visit the NHMRC website for informaiton.

Toolkit for starting a Reconciliation group in your local area
Download a Toolkit for individuals and groups at various stages of involvement with reconciliation.