Reconciliation Action Plan

About Reconciliation Action Plans

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

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.

MSK’s RAP

MSK was very pleased to receive official endorsement of its first RAP in February 2022. With Reconciliation Australia having four types of RAPs, MSK’s first RAP is at the ‘Reflect’ level, which involves scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence.

Click on the image to open MSK’s RAP:

As MSK’s CEO, Rob Anderson said,

‘I am very proud to present MSK’s ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). As a consumer-focused organisation and in line with our organisational values, MSK aims to be inclusive of all peoples in all it does. Aboriginal cultures are the oldest continuing culture in the world, having survived for more than 50,000 years, and this is important to acknowledge and celebrate. It is also vital to acknowledge the learnings that come from such a rich and enduring culture – the importance and central place of community, of looking out for each other, of coming together. These learnings are more important than ever and also essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of all.’

MSK is very grateful to Angela Brown for the wonderful artwork within our RAP. Angela is a Wailwan/Ngemba woman and has been the Chairperson of MSK’s Consumer Advisory Committee since October 2021. Angela is also a key member of MSK’s RAP Working Group, which is led by our CEO, Rob Anderson.

Finally, MSK is grateful for the support and guidance received from the staff at Reconciliation Australia in the preparation of its first RAP.

National Reconciliation Week 2022

Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK) is very proud to have had its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) approved by Reconciliation Australia earlier this year. Our RAP is designed to assist MSK to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation within Australia.

As part of this, MSK is actively supporting this year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) between Friday 27 May–Friday 3 June. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme of NRW 2022 is ‘Be Brave. Make Change’.

With the assistance of Angela Brown, Chairperson of our MSK Consumer Advisory Committee and a proud Ngemba/Wailwan woman, we have made a short video (approx. 7 minutes) to give you some information regarding the importance of reconciliation.

View the MSK video about the importance of reconciliation now:

It would also be great if you, your friends and family members might consider attending a NRW event in your local area – there is an extensive list of NRW events on the NRW website

What do the dates of NRW signify?

The dates of NRW commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967 - On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992 - On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week 2022

MSK is supporting NAIDOC Week 2022 celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. MSK asks you to support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. Find out what events are being held in your local area or find out about the history of NAIDOC Week.