Australia’s peak eye health body Vision 2020 has launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as part of the organisation’s commitment to reducing current inequities in eye health and vision of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples; and supporting their right to self-determination.
Board members of Vision 2020 Australia and CEO Patricia Sparrow launched the Reflect RAP to applause at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference today, on 25 May 2022, on Larrakia Country.
The objective of our Reflect RAP is to impact lasting and meaningful change towards Reconciliation. It is the first of many crucial steps in that direction.
“Vision 2020 Australia has a total commitment to improving the eye health and vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and supporting community leadership and control of that work,” said Patricia Sparrow, Vision 2020 Australia CEO.
“Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan further formalises this commitment by outlining concrete measures to progress our reconciliation journey.”
Vision 2020’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and follows their existing framework of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance. It includes the following key priorities:
• Establishing and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, stakeholders and community organisations,
• Embedding culturally sensitive protocols and cultural learning through the organisation to increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights.
Vision 2020 Australia will also establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group to drive the implementation of the Reflect RAP and report on its achievements.
“The objective of our Reflect RAP is to impact lasting and meaningful change towards Reconciliation. It is the first of many crucial steps in that direction.
“In line with this year’s Reconciliation Week theme “Be Brave: Make Change”, our work will be underpinned by the clear actions outlined in this RAP that we are strongly committed to delivering.
“We look forward to reporting on our progress.”
Image: Dr Shellie Morris
