A milestone in a 16-year reconciliation journey
Mission Australia has launched its 2025 to 2028 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in its 16-year reconciliation journey. This is the charity’s fourth RAP and its first at the Stretch level, reflecting a deepened commitment to justice, truth-telling and long-term systemic change.
CEO Sharon Callister highlights deepened reconciliation commitment
CEO Sharon Callister said the Stretch RAP outlines ambitious, measurable actions to strengthen cultural safety, elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and leadership, and build respectful partnerships across the organisation.
“I’m proud to introduce Mission Australia’s 2025 to 2028 Stretch RAP, which reflects our deepened commitment to reconciliation,” Ms Callister said.
A vision for equity, dignity and cultural respect
“Our vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect. We aspire to heal our national soul and fully value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“At Mission Australia, reconciliation is at the heart of who we are and how we work. We recognise the ongoing injustices and enduring impacts of colonisation, dispossession and intergenerational trauma, particularly in the areas of homelessness, justice and health. We remain committed to addressing these inequities with honesty, empathy and action.”
Clear roadmap aligned with Strategy 2030
Aligned with Mission Australia’s Strategy 2030, the Stretch RAP sets a clear roadmap for advancing reconciliation across the organisation. It is structured around four key pillars from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy:
- Building a culturally safe organisation
- Culturally appropriate service delivery
- Positive partnerships
- A courageous voice for systems change
Each of these pillars has a set of ambitious deliverables, and clear targets for Mission Australia to strive towards as part of this journey.
Strong foundations for confronting ongoing injustices
“We’ve laid strong foundations for this work. But reconciliation is not just about recognising the past. It’s about confronting ongoing injustices and moving forward together through a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach,” Ms Callister said.
Nationwide impact and strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships
Mission Australia is one of Australia’s largest community service and housing providers, supporting more than 160,000 people annually through more than 470 services and 4,600 community homes nationwide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent 7% of its 2,500-strong workforce, and the organisation partners with more than 600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
Collaboration shapes the Stretch RAP
The Stretch RAP has been shaped by Mission Australia’s RAP Knowledge Group, Reference Group and Champions Group, with support and guidance from Reconciliation Australia.
“I’m deeply grateful to the many Mission Australia staff who have shaped this plan, and to Reconciliation Australia for their support,” Ms Callister said.
A continued commitment to reconciliation
“We’ve come a long way since our first Reflect RAP in 2009. There is still more to do, and Mission Australia is determined to keep going.
“Together, we are building a reconciled Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect, and are equal partners in shaping the future,” Ms Callister said.