The Neighbourhood Hub has taken a significant step on its reconciliation journey, unveiling its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Wednesday, 20 August at its 4 George Street Centre. The plan has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, joining a national network of more than 3,000 organisations committed to building stronger relationships with First Nations communities.
Established in 1989, The Neighbourhood Hub supports over 14,000 people annually across its two Mackay locations, providing essential family support, multicultural services, emergency crisis support, and financial counselling programs. The organisation employs 24 staff members and coordinates 34 volunteers, delivering 11 comprehensive programs that respond to unmet community needs.
"Through our Reflect RAP, The Neighbourhood Hub aims to encourage our community to make a commitment to a reconciliation journey that explores the five dimensions of reconciliation," said Alex Whippy, Senior Program Coordinator for The Neighbourhood Hub.
"This formalises the steps we have already taken and provides a framework to actively look for opportunities to do more."
The Neighbourhood Hub acknowledges the Yuwibara Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Mackay region and has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting First Nations families. The organisation previously delivered Indigenous Parenting Programs and Cultural Connections program that fosters mutual understanding between First Nations peoples and multicultural communities in Mackay.
Key RAP Commitments Include:
Relationships: Establishing stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and participating in National Reconciliation Week celebrations.
Respect: Enhancing cultural learning opportunities for staff, observing cultural protocols, and celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Opportunities: Improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and increasing supplier diversity through procurement from First Nations-owned businesses.
Governance: Maintaining an effective RAP Working Group with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation and transparent reporting on progress.The organisation already demonstrates its commitment through partnerships with local First Nations businesses including Mer Bar Wakai, Latoya Latimer Catering, and The Didgeridoo Guys. Staff participate in mandatory cultural awareness training and prominently display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at both centre locations.
"We believe that our organisational priorities and values – including improving the lives of all people, working together for collective benefit, and treating everyone with respect, equality and fairness – align perfectly with the five dimensions of reconciliation," added Alex Whippy.
The Neighbourhood Hub's reconciliation artwork, created by local First Nations business Forbidden Onyx in collaboration with DT Trait Designs, symbolises the organisation's visual commitment to truth telling, healing, and creating a future where every person feels seen, heard and safe.
The organisation plans to register for its next RAP by March 2026, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement in reconciliation efforts.
The Neighbourhood Hub has launched its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, to strengthen relationships and support First Nations communities in Mackay. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
