29 November 2022

Announcing ACA’s Innovate RAP

Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.

Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.

The ACA’s vision for reconciliation is to see improved health outcomes and participation in health decision making by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The ACA’s goal is to see an increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people graduating as chiropractors; the improvement of access to chiropractic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and to see the achievement of improved health outcomes and equitable access for all Australians.

The four RAP types – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate – allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments.

Each type of RAP is designed to suit an organisation at different stages of their reconciliation journey and organisations can repeat the same type of RAP if appropriate.

In 2019 ACA launched their first RAP, the Reflect RAP to members at the ACA Conference in Melbourne. Over the past two years, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rural and Remote Practitioner Network (APPRN), supported by ACA staff and Board, have worked diligently to fulfil the commitment of the RAP and to champion reconciliation in our sphere of influence.

Progressing Our Commitment with the Innovate RAP

It is now with great pleasure that ACA announces that Reconciliation Australia has officially accredited and endorsed ACA’s Innovate RAP. “The ACA moves into the second stage of this journey whereby it is gaining a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence. There is a focus on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” says ACA President Dr David Cahill.

The Innovate RAP will progress the ACA’s development of a Cultural Competency Program that will support the development of practitioner cultural awareness so that chiropractors understand how to provide effective and safe care that meets the in dividual healthcare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in a way that maintains the patients personal, social and cultural identity.

There are only 1,100 organisations in Australia that have formalised their commitment to reconciliation through a Reconciliation Action Plan, with approximately 76 organisations in the health and medical Industry that have an endorsed Innovate RAP across Australia.

Acknowledgement of RAP Working Group

The ARRPN committee has worked closely with Ken Hayward to develop a Cultural Competency program that supports the development of practitioner cultural awareness so that chiropractors understand how to provide effective and safe care that meets the individual healthcare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in a way that maintains the patients personal, social, and cultural identity. Ken brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in Cross Cultural Awareness and Aboriginal Community engagement. His experience is a culmination of twenty years working in various roles and positions to promote Aboriginal culture and facilitate better working and social relationships between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people.

ACA held their first cultural competency training program at ACA Conference 2022 in Sydney last month which received great reviews.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the ARRPN Committee (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rural and Remote Practitioner Network) for their unwavering commitment to reconciliation and who volunteer and contribute to the ongoing role of the group within our organisation.

Current ARRPN Committee Members

  • Dr Bill Hayward – Chair
  • Dr Angela Todd – Board member
  • Shelly-Anne Cornell –RAP Coordinator
  • Robyn Cummings – Northern Region Manager
  • Dr Lyndon Woods
  • Dr Michael Shobbrook
  • Dr Adam Carter
  • Dr Kevin Schwager
  • Dr Clare Halpin

The ACA encourages all members to educate themselves to become more culturally safe and inclusive to all.