What is a Reconciliation Action Plan?

For an organisation like ours, a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) plays a vital role in guiding our efforts to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across New South Wales. As a trusted provider of first aid, health services, and community support, we are in a unique position to make a tangible difference in advancing reconciliation. A RAP helps formalise our commitment to creating respectful partnerships, ensuring cultural understanding, and delivering inclusive care that recognises the unique histories, contributions, and rights of Indigenous Australians.

What might the plan look like in action?

Implementing a RAP within St John Ambulance NSW provides a clear framework for embedding reconciliation into everyday operations—whether through inclusive hiring practices, culturally safe service delivery, or respectful engagement with Indigenous communities during emergency responses and community programs. It encourages ongoing learning for staff and volunteers through cultural competency training and promotes the celebration of key events such as NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week, helping to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories throughout the organisation.

St John NSW’s commitment

By actively participating in the reconciliation process, we display our values of care, respect, and integrity. This will improve health outcomes for many more rural communities and reflects our commitment to caring for all peoples. Together, let’s take a stand to lead in cultural inclusion, equity and reconciliation within the health and emergency services sector.

St John NSW’s RAP has recently been approved, and we look forward to the next steps to come. With National Reconciliation Week coming up in May, we encourage all divisions to get involved with hosting or participating in local activities at this significant time.