BSL launched our new Stretch RAP in June this year, following on from our first Innovate RAP.

BSL RAP logo

BSL has a vision for reconciliation that shows a country where Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy equal opportunities for participation in our community.

Reconciliation Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Framework provides organisations with a structured approach to advance reconciliation.

Reflecting this framework, BSL recently launched its ‘Stretch RAP’ which seeks to advance our commitment to reconciliation by embedding reconciliation initiatives into our organisation, and utilising our sphere of influence to drive reconciliation.

Our Stretch RAP reflects on present and past injustices and works with intentional focus to ensure that economic, social and civic opportunities are shared with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Over the next three years to 2024, we will work towards a range of key outcomes, including:

  • Local engagement plans in our key geographies to support access to, and the delivery of, culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
  • Increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation among our staff, managers and volunteers;
  • Our programs, research and advocacy agenda will make a meaningful contribution to improving economic, social, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;

a photo of a woman sitting on a bark of a dead tree
Above: Morgan Molloy, BSL’s Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator, and proud Palawa woman

Morgan Molloy, BSL’s Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator, and proud Palawa woman, says “The Stretch RAP is so important to me because it’s about the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, not just in National Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC week, but throughout the whole year. The opportunity to share the richness of Australia’s first nations makes me proud, as well as working in an organisation that embraces this fully and wholeheartedly.”

Find out about BSL’s commitment to reconciliation and our Stretch RAP by visiting bsl.org.au/rap2021 .



RAP logo
A note about our BSL RAP logo

Our new RAP logo was created by talented Wagiman artist, Tara Butterworth. Tara worked at BSL for two years as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for the NDIS Division, based in Niddrie, Melbourne. The little figures represent the BSL Reconciliation Committee Members and the middle circle represents meeting place that is a safe space. The little brown dots depict stories, values and ideas from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Finally the darker longer shapes signifies turning discussions into actions by coming together.