Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Vision for Reconciliation

Foundation Housing is committed to making a meaningful contribution to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. This includes the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation (Perth), the Kariyarra people of South Hedland and the Yawuru people of Broome.

Foundation Housing will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their mission for self-determination and equal access to the opportunities available to all Australian citizens, particularly in terms of access to safe, secure and affordable housing.

Reconciliation is a journey we must walk on together.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program, developed by Reconciliation Australia, is about organisations from every sector turning good intentions into real actions and rising to the challenge of reconciling Australia. A RAP is a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhanced respect, and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Our commitment to Reconciliation is outlined in our Reflect RAP

Through the development of our first RAP, we have grown understanding and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and practices, and create more opportunities to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The delivery of Foundation Housing’s Reflect RAP was completed in late 2020, with more than 90 percent of actions implemented. Some of these actions included: 

• Staff participation in the Reconciliation WA Walk for Reconciliation and NAIDOC events 
• Reconciliation Australia’s educational resources and materials circulated to staff  
• Cultural awareness training provided to all staff, leaders and Board members 
• Improved reconciliation communications through internal and external channels  
• Welcome to Country delivered at all major staff events 
• Employment and HR policies reviewed to attract and retain more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Introduction of an Aboriginal scholarship program.

Our Innovate RAP

Our Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) are excited to have started their Innovate RAP journey alongside Rhys Paddick and Emma Gibbens from Acknowledge This.

Our Innovate RAP sets out 50 deliverables that Foundation Housing will take to build strong and trusting relationships, champion ongoing respect and understanding between cultures and create opportunities through our action.

Important areas of focus for our Innovate RAP are to:

• Update and continue to implement our employment strategy;
• Ensure that our procurement processes support Aboriginal owned businesses where possible; and
• Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies

Our RAP Committee

The RAP Committee, led by the CEO and RAP Champion Chris Smith, consists of staff from across the organisation including Communications, Housing Services, Property Services, Community Services and Lodging Services. The RAP Committee are guided by Rhys Paddick and Emma Gibbens from Acknowledge This on their journey.