Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Cultural Protocols
Our 2026-2028 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) details our ongoing commitment to walking alongside First Nations peoples and communities in ways that are accountable, respectful and grounded in self-determination.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our organisation operates and recognises First Nations culture as one of the richest and oldest continuous cultures in the world.
We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present. We commit to actively listening and working alongside First Nations people to support reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
We recognise the importance of ensuring First Nations voices are at the forefront of our actions.
Our commitment
BSL recognises that reconciliation requires equity, truth-telling and structural change.
We recognise reconciliation is guided by the principles of self-determination, ensuring that First Nations voices, leadership and decision-making, are central.
We are committed to listening deeply and acting on what we hear.
We will challenge racism and systemic injustice wherever it occurs, within our organisation and beyond.
The 2026-2028 Stretch RAP
The 2026-2028 Stretch RAP confirms BSL’s commitment to working in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, supporting self-determination and cultural authority.
The RAP sets out how BSL will contribute to reconciliation over the next three years, with a focus on creating culturally safe, equitable, and inclusive environments. It aligns with the RAP key pillars: Relationships, Respect and Opportunities, and has four priority areas:
- embedding First Nations leadership across the organisation
- addressing systemic barriers to employment and career progression
- strengthening cultural safety and capability
- ensuring transparency through clear accountabilities and reporting
Download our 2026-2028 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
Staff and volunteers
Every employee and volunteer at BSL is invited to join us on this essential journey.
The RAP requires a commitment from every staff member and leader to listen deeply to the guidance and advice that is being generously offered to us by our First Nations colleagues and community members and take action to make change.
With reconciliation a daily commitment, as NRW’s theme confirms and our RAP recognises, the new Stretch RAP will be a standing agenda item for all meetings. This is an opportunity to discuss progress, monitor accountabilities and plan for the future. It is important this is done mindfully, with respect and presence.
To support appropriate engagement, a new Cultural Protocols Document including advice for Acknowledgement of Country has been developed and is available below and on BSL Connect. A formal First Nations Cultural Safety Framework is being prioritised as part of our RAP commitments.
Download our Cultural Protocols Document
The artwork: Desert Meeting Places – Chris S
The artwork featured on the cover and throughout the RAP is by Yorta Yorta/Barkindji artist Chris S. Chris explains: “This is my Country, the land on which we roam. For thousands of years, my ancestors lived, hunted and flourished.
“This is desert Country, hot land. The rivers have dried up until the next rain, and when it does rain, it pours down, with a big explosion of life and greenery.”
The artwork was purchased through The Torch, the First Peoples-led, not for profit, arts organisation that supports First Peoples with lived experience of incarceration in Victoria.
BSL is committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, supporting self-determination and cultural authority.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence reaffirms its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, truth-telling and self-determination. We are proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations people and to support Australia’s first Treaty process in Victoria.