We are committed to working with Aboriginal people and communities to ensure the families, children and young people we work with are safe and remain connected to their culture and country.
MacKillop acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Elders in each of the communities where we work, affirms the significant place and identity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders hold as First Australians, values and celebrates the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and actively commits itself to the truth telling, justice and healing that is required for reconciliation.
We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge all Aboriginal children, young people, families and staff who are a part of MacKillop Family Services. We embrace and commit to the spirit and work of self-determination and reconciliation. In our work, we commit to:
- Build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so we can continually learn and deepen our understanding of historical and current truths
- Work consultatively and in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to design and implement actions that support redress and healing
- Support the cultural safety of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families we work with, ensuring connection to culture, country and community is nurtured and encouraged.
MacKillop Family Services has developed a February 2023 – February 2025 Reconciliation Action Plan. Read it here.
MacKillop also actively supports a constitutionally enshrined Voice to the Commonwealth Parliament as articulated by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Read our full statement here.
For more information, please contact:
Esmai Manahan
National Director for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Service Development
