Introduction

This Statement of Recognition and Commitment to Traditional Owners of Country aims to build on the work already undertaken by Hireup to advance the rights, recognition and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to create a path for Hireup to discover, develop and deliver actions that promote reconciliation.

Members of the Hireup community come from many origins and together we acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bestow our community with significant cultural, social, economic and spiritual contributions that are crucial to the character of the many locations where we work and live.

We acknowledge and respect that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, traditions, customs, laws, and relationship to the land exist and Indigenous Australians have a right to live according to these, subject to Australian law.

We acknowledge that European colonisation brought about immense change to the land, culture, family, health and sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We will ensure local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in events and celebrations of significance that respect the dignity and protocols of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where Hireup delivers its services.  We will publicly acknowledge and support significant cultural dates and annually celebrate Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and other events deemed appropriate by the Aboriginal communities in which we work.

We will facilitate either a ‘Welcome to Country’ or an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, as appropriate, at the commencement of meetings and Hireup events.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First Nations.

We support the rights of all Indigenous people as outlined in the Draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

We will ensure that Hireup board members and staff participate in relevant cultural awareness programs to assist in their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.

We will ensure that a Hireup Aboriginal Employment Strategy is implemented, enhancing the prospects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be employed within our organisation.

In partnership with local Aboriginal people, organisations, reconciliation groups and other organisations and service providers, Hireup will support the process for Reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

We will develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, with the support of Indigenous organisations and people that will:

• be sensitive to and respect the dignity and protocols of the local Indigenous communities where Hireup delivers its services.
• advocate for and support initiatives that reduce inequality and improve economic, social and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• support actions that strengthen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
• advocate for and support initiatives that increase access to Hireup services.
• promote education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture within the broader Hireup community.
• uphold and promote the principles and commitments of this statement.