The University of Canberra (UC) has launched an action plan to strengthen relationships with local Ngunnawal peoples, create relevant cultural policies, and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes.
Chancellor of UC, Tom Calma said the action plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2021-2024, required the university to implement long-term reconciliation initiatives into business strategies and followed the success of its 2018-22 RAP which saw a large number of targets met or exceeded.
“The University’s key goal in the previous RAP was to provide our people with the leadership, knowledge, and independence to make a change towards reconciliation; we’ve made significant progress toward that goal,” Professor Calma said.
“There have been many successes in terms of reconciliation at the University, but our job isn’t done yet,” he said.
“The 2021-2024 RAP outlines the need to enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership opportunities.”
Professor Calma said the new Plan also aimed to promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies; maintain Indigenous supplier ratios; and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student and staff recruitment.
“Above all, we aim to continue to foster respect for the Ngunnawal People, on whose land the Bruce campus is located, and engage with the Ngunnawal culture,” the Chancellor said.
UC’s 45-page Stretch RAP can be accessed at this PS News link.
