WorkAbility Project Officer Raylene Hodges shares what reconciliation means in her eyes and how it can be demonstrated:
“I am a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman and I have worked within government, non-government and the community sector for the past 28 years.”
“My own personal history is that my family are part of the Stolen Generation and it is important to recognise that Aboriginal families were impacted by the forcible removal of children.”
“We continue to be impacted by inequalities, unconscious bias, racism, black deaths in custody, racial profiling and BLM.”
“[I think we need to] introduce ‘change ‘and that change needs to happen at the top end of every organisation, department, State and Federal levels. From this, we filter down these changes to all levels of the hierarchy and the community.”
“We continue to have conversations about how we change our mindsets, apply critical reflective practice and be self-reflective. Let’s continue our journey with open mindedness and a willingness to learn and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander methodologies, values, traditions, principles and practices.”
“I have seen small changes and am hopeful for the future. But it is important we all are listening and hearing the First Nations voices and visions for transformational and necessary change.”
“It is then we hear, learn and acknowledge what is needed and how we can work together to ensure we are providing a culturally appropriate service delivery, quality service and not just ticking boxes.”
“It has to be done our way and our voices need to be heard, listened to and acted upon with great urgency.”
Raylene Hodges, pictured (far right) with (L-R) Donna Spencer,
Hannah Wallis and Mandy Strathearn