Reflections Holiday Parks has launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to serve as a tool in building cultural connections on Country towards reconciliation.
Reflections, a Crown Land Manager which cares for 43 nature reserves and operates 36 holiday parks on 12 Aboriginal nations in NSW, has developed the RAP within the framework of Reconciliation Australia.
Under the RAP, Reflections will develop opportunities for cultural expression and celebration while delivering social, cultural and economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Reflections’ CEO Nick Baker said the RAP will grow cultural awareness with Park managers and guests, boost employment and create lasting partnerships with Aboriginal people.
“Each year we welcome 2 million guests from Australia and abroad, and we have the chance to introduce them to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and protect that for future generations,” Baker said.
Reflections’ RAP sponsor and executive manager corporate communication Lauren Eyles said the Reflect RAP was a public commitment and a whole-of-organisation journey.
“Key aspects of the RAP include cultural training for Reflections staff, participation in local community events and engagement of Aboriginal service providers,” Eyles said.
Reflections’ Aboriginal engagement officer and Githabul Bundjalung woman Cheryl Newton is establishing relationships with traditional custodians to develop cultural immersion and tourism experiences.
RAP outcomes will include partnerships with Aboriginal communities and Native Title Holders to create commercial and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Newton will capture learnings to help guide other Crown Land Managers to partner with Aboriginal people under a pilot program between Reflections and Crown Lands.
“Our cultures are rich and deep with Aboriginal histories as is our land, and The Dreaming set out the structures of how we care for the land,” Newton said.
“Today we still go by these structures. We still, and always will, nurture this land.”
Featured Image: L-R – Madi, far left, and Will, far right from Deadly Ed. Forster Reflections Park Manager Justine Syme and groundsman Gordon
