Lifeline Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2014/15 Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 1
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA 'REFLECT' RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP) Table of Contents OUR VISION AND BUSINESS... 3 OUR VISION OF RECONCILIATION... 3 OUR BUSINESS... 4 OUR PARTNERSHIPS AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES... 5 LIFELINE AUSTRALIA S COMMITMENT TO A REFLECT RAP... 7 Relationships... 7 Respect... 10 Opportunities... 11 Tracking Progress... 13 Working Group... 14 Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 2
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA 'REFLECT' RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP) OUR VISION AND BUSINESS The Lifeline Australia Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a commitment to turn good intentions into real actions and rise to the challenge of reconciling Australia. The Lifeline Australia RAP will outline a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhanced respect and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lifeline Australia has developed a Reflect RAP; this is our commitment to completing the actions outlined in this document over the next 12 months to ensure we are well positioned to implement effective and mutually beneficial initiatives as part of future Reconciliation Action Plans. Future RAPs will identify relationships, respect and opportunities actions specific to Lifeline Australia s business and sphere of influence. This Reflect RAP will allow Lifeline Australia to focus on building relationships both internally and externally, and raise awareness with our stakeholders to ensure there is shared understanding and ownership of our RAP within our organisation. Development of future RAPs will involve consultation with staff across our organisation including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, staff and/or stakeholders to achieve our vision for reconciliation. We understand the importance of the development of a RAP. We believe that relationships are at the heart of reconciliation respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians with Lifeline Australia and peoples communities. To ensure that this RAP is meaningful and effective we have developed a working group consisting of Lifeline Australia staff with relevant expertise; in addition to being chosen for their passion and enthusiasm about the development of the RAP and their commitment to promoting and ensuring its effectiveness within the organisation. The RAP Working Group comprises of: Kylie Wilson - Project Hannah Dawes - Centre Operations Angela Mason - Sustainability and Public Relations Alison McGrath - Human Resources Alan Woodward Lifeline Research Foundation Gia Chu - Community Development Tracey Whetnall Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Representative OUR VISION OF RECONCILIATION Our vision for reconciliation is meaningful acknowledgement of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples history and contemporary culture, relationships based on respect for different ways of being, and commitment to collectively address the unacceptable gaps in health and wellbeing, especially the high suicide rate experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Board, Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 3
management, staff & volunteers of Lifeline Australia are committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation by continuing to be accountable to the actions within our RAP. OUR BUSINESS Since its establishment in 1963, Lifeline has served Australians experiencing crisis through access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and delivers a number of educational programs. Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every 36 seconds. People call Lifeline s 24 hour crisis line 13 11 14 about: Suicidal thoughts or attempts Personal crisis Anxiety Depression Loneliness Abuse and trauma Stresses from work, family or society Self-help information for friends and family Recent figures show that Lifeline has contact with over 1 million people per annum, with over 760,000 supported through core national services and local community services, they are as follows: National Services 24 Hour Telephone Crisis Line 13 11 14 Lifeline Online Crisis Support Chat Lifeline Suicide Hot Spot Telephone Crisis Line Lifeline.org.au Get Help self-help resources Service Finder - free directory of local health and community services DV-alert - Domestic Violence Response Training readthesigns National Cannabis Information and Helpline Local Community Services Suicide prevention and bereavement services Face-to-face counselling Financial counselling Gambling counselling Youth services Disability services Welfare programs Rural outreach Migrant support services Family and mediation services Counselling services for children School based education programs Information education and support groups Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples support services This work is made possible by around 11,000 volunteers, 3,500 of which are working on our telephone crisis support line, local staff who are dedicated and passionate about what they do and national office staff that support the work done at the local level. Crisis support volunteers are trained to listen and provide support for people in crisis and to check for suicide safety. Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 4
Lifeline employs approximately 45 staff in the national office (Lifeline Australia). There are currently no staff at Lifeline Australia who have identified themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The importance of appropriate cultural knowledge in the development of our services is critical to Lifeline Australia, we therefore engage stakeholders and content experts in ensuring we are equipped to meet the needs of our community. Lifeline is a national orgainsation with a presence in every state and territory, across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia. There are currently has 35 Centres with 42 sites. Lifeline Australia operates under the Lifeline Strategic Framework, with the vision of an Australia free of suicide. This is done by supporting all Australians in times of crisis and equipping individuals and communities to be resilient and suicide-safe (see Framework below). Lifeline s performance and reputation depends upon all of the decisions we each make and the actions we take every day. Our guiding principles underpin our decisions and actions and how we behave. Our guiding principles are; We are guided by how we can best support and serve the community in delivering Lifeline s Purpose We consistently demonstrate care and respect for other people through how we deal with colleagues, clients and the community. We demonstrate integrity, honesty, openness, personal excellence and constructive self-criticism, innovation in service provision, mutual respect and commitment in all of our behaviours and decisions. We will reinforce Lifeline s reputation as an organisation of integrity, honesty, respect, care and trustworthiness. We listen to others without judgement. We believe suicide is mostly preventable OUR PARTNERSHIPS AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES Lifeline delivers a series of Domestic Violence Response Training (DV-alert) to health, allied health and community frontline workers to enable them to confidently recognise, respond and refer situations of Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 5
domestic and family violence. Domestic and family violence is one of the most pervasive forms of violence in Australia and health, allied health and community frontline workers have been identified through research as the ones most likely to identify and support people who are at risk of or experiencing domestic and family violence. DV-alert is a nationally-run accredited training program available at no cost and is delivered in three streams. One of these streams, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples DV-alert stream, is specifically provided to health, allied health and community frontline workers supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The training takes into account the impact of domestic and family violence occurring in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities given their specific and unique community contexts. Since its inception, the Indigenous DV-alert program has taken a unique approach in delivering DV-alert workshops in remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander locations across Australia. Lifeline observes individual community protocols by ensuring that cultural considerations are factored into preworkshop activities. A month before a proposed training schedule, Lifeline staff and trainers visit the community where the training will be held and engage with community Elders and Traditional Owners, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and community service providers to consult about community issues related to domestic and family violence and seek endorsement for the workshop to be held within their community. The DV-alert Indigenous Reference Group was established in 2012 to inform the direction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples DV-alert Program in relation to training delivery and community engagement. It consists of seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples panel members whose range of expertise includes areas such as: research, domestic and family violence, gender and development, vocational training and education, governance, community development, health, housing and cross-cultural education. To date, Lifeline has delivered 31 workshops in various remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and reached close to 350 community frontline workers working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Lifeline will deliver another 36 Indigenous workshops in the next two years through Lifeline Broken Hill and capitalise on the Centre s existing expertise and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities which is well recognised and respected in the sector and by the government. Lifeline is also in the process of developing Aboriginal Men s Program which aims to raise the awareness of Aboriginal men on the impact of domestic and family violence and to motivate them to help prevent the problem within their own communities. Lifeline Broken Hill intends to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples trainers from across the country to deliver the 36 Indigenous DV Alert workshops over the next two years. Below is a list of communities that Lifeline has previously engaged with through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples DV-alert program: Kempsey, NSW Mount Isa, QLD Doomadgee, QLD Broome, WA Bourke, NSW Smithton, TAS Ceduna, SA Tennant Creek, NT Taree, NSW Darwin, NT Broken Hill, NSW Cherbourg, QLD Napranum, QLD Walgett, NSW Moree, NSW Katherine, NT Thursday Island, QLD Kyogle, NSW Robinvale, VIC Tiwi Island, NT Fitzroy Crossing, WA Darwin, NT Lismore, NSW Palm Island, QLD Kalgoorlie, WA Halls Creek, WA Queanbeyan, NSW Yalata, SA Perth, WA Wilcannia, NSW Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 6
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA S COMMITMENT TO A REFLECT RAP Relationships Supporting relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians are vital to the development of the shared understanding of the diversity of our community s culture and heritage. Lifeline Australia is committed to contributing to the healing, well-being and building of trust within our community through the relationships we support and aim to develop. Developing these relationships will enhance and inform Lifeline Australia s vision of an Australia free of suicide; they will also inform Lifeline as an organisation, Lifeline staff and individuals RAP goals. Lifeline respects and understands the importance of cultural identity and cultural development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This importance was stressed and summed up in the comments by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Elders Report on Preventing Self harm and Suicide released early 2014: Not supporting homelands, not supporting cultural education, and not supporting cultural activities is actually a matter of life and death for us. Action Responsibility Timeline Deliverables Establish and maintain a RAP Working Group June 2014 A RAP Working Group is formed and operational to support the development of our RAP, comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The working group meets bimonthly to monitor and report on RAP progression and implementation. Develop external relationships and approach potential partners DV-alert Community Development and the Dec 2014 to Dec 2015 The aim of the group is to support, encourage and strengthen our existing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, develop new relationships within our community to enhance the accessibility and cultural responsiveness of our services. Compile a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples communities, organisations and stakeholders within our local area or sphere of influence that we could approach to assist us in our understanding of the potential activities in our next RAP. Suggested organisations for partnerships include: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), National Congress of Australia s First Peoples, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Health Infonet, SBS and NITV Indigenous Suppliers e.g. stationery, training etc. Sponsors/recipients for sponsorships Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 7
Lifeline will continue to maintain relationships with existing partner organisations. DV-alert Community Development and RAP Project Dec 2014 to Dec 2015 Advisors Employers/employees, and Other categories to further support cultural understanding Current partnerships include: Office of the General for Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Services Healing Foundation DV-alert Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Reference Group Kerrie Kelly, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Psychologists Association (AIPA) Tracey Whetnall, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples DV-alert Program Trainer Network Lifeline will continue to develop systems to ensure potential partners and current partners are managed appropriately using tools for reporting Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Raise internal awareness of the RAP DV-alert Community Development, RAP Project and Human Resources Manager Lifeline Chief Executive Officer and RAP Project Lifeline Chief Executive Officer and RAP Project Communications Human Resources Manager Dec 2014 to Dec 2015 27th May- 3rd June 2015 December 2014 December 2014 December 2014 December 2014 These relationships will be maintained and enhanced though communication, collaboration and consultation. We will continually identify key organisations for potential partnerships on different areas of work to support reconciliation initiatives, i.e. consultations, cultural awareness training, engagement, service provider/ suppliers, sponsorships, awareness raising campaigns, events, etc. Lifeline will develop a centralised database of current and potential stakeholders/partnerships. This information will be reported in Lifeline s Annual Report. Our Working Group will attend a community event or organise an internal event to recognise and celebrate NRW. A presentation on our RAP commitment is given to Executive Team to ensure they have an understanding of how their areas of responsibility can contribute to the RAP. CEO to introduce RAP to all employees following approval by RA. RAP to be published on Lifeline website and Lifeline Australia intranet. RAP to be disseminated to all new staff at commencement within induction process. Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 8
Human Resources Manager December 2014 January 2015 Annually December 2014 Working group to advise business areas of additional input requirements in preparation for the development of Lifeline Australia s Innovate RAP. Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Policy. Section on RAP progress in the Lifeline Australia Annual report. Add a Lifeline Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Australian etc. footnote on all Lifeline Australia email signature blocks Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 9
Respect Respect is the imperative for building strong and vibrant relationships. Our respect for traditional custodianship of the land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and contemporary culture demonstrates our commitment to reconciliation. Lifeline Australia will work towards, encourage and entrench an organisational culture that is welcoming and respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as employees, partners and help seekers. Action Responsibility Timeline Deliverables Investigate cultural development Celebrate NAIDOC Week Raise internal understanding of protocols Learning and Development Manager 30 June 2015 A business case for cultural awareness, capability and development based on our core business is developed, with findings presented to relevant HR/Learning and Development area for their input. This will be developed in conjunction with the Learning and Development Team (Learning & Development Manager; Learning & Development ; RTO ) in consultation with HR. 5-12 July 2015 Our Working Group will participate in a community NAIDOC Week event, or hold an internal event. 30 June 2015 A plan is developed to raise awareness and includes opportunities to raise understanding of the meaning and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to our employees. This will be achieved by the development of an Indigenous Community Engagement Policy to all staff once developed. This document will inform and demonstrate the importance of recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, along with the correct protocols for engaging and liaising with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 10
Opportunities Lifeline Australia s work is enhanced by consultation and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and individuals and by engaging the broader community in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage. Lifeline Australia will continue to develop opportunities to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage. To enhance opportunities for meaningful engagement and exchange to the ongoing benefit and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and Lifeline Australia as an organisation. Action Responsibility Timeline Deliverables Investigate opportunities within your organisation to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities Human Resources Manager December 2015 Lifeline will continuously seek opportunities in HR procedures and policies to ensure barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are able to be addressed. For example adding explicit statements regarding Lifeline Australia s being an equal opportunity employer. Lifeline will consult with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in other Lifeline locations to consult on employment strategies, including professional development when required. Lifeline will encourage different approaches to increasing Indigenous employment within our organisation for example, work experience. Consultation undertaken and learnings shared Executive Director, Lifeline Foundation July 2015 Advertise all vacancies in fee free, Indigenous job networks sites such as Aboriginal Employment Strategy (endorsed by RA) http://www.aes.org.au/ Consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experts and researchers to build Lifeline s understanding of factors for suicide prevention involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to examine implications for Lifeline services and community engagement towards more effective contributions on suicide prevention. Appointment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples researcher to the Expert Advisory Group for the Lifeline Research Foundation Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 11
Consider supplier diversity June 2015 A business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity is developed. This will focus on how our organisation can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples businesses and procurement. Other opportunities June 2015 We are committed to ensuring that our systems/processes when seeking suppliers encompass Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers For example purchasing more office products/stationery from Nallawilli Office Wares. A paper is presented to the RAP Working Group outlining other opportunities, such as around education, that has been identified throughout our consultation with internal and external stakeholders. This paper will assist in defining actions for subsequent RAPs for our organisation. Once approved by the group to will be present to Lifeline Australia executive for approval to continue on the RAP journey. Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 12
Tracking Progress Lifeline Australia is committed to the RAP journey and will continue to improve current systems, develop new process and work to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of a RAP to the organisation. Action Responsibility Timeline Deliverables Report achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in the Annual Impact Measurement Report. RAP Working Group Bi-Monthly 6 monthly Yearly Yearly Bi-Monthly December RAP Working Group to meet regularly to coordinate and monitor the implementation of our RAP and the development of future RAPs. Keep staff up to date with the current RAP activities though Brown Bag Lunches Submit Annual Report to Reconciliation Australia the report will highlight Lifelines current RAP activities. Undertake annual report and refresh the RAP to ensure it is up to date and we are reflecting our lessons learn. Communicate progress against RAP actions to Lifeline Executive. Distribute our RAP to all Lifeline employees, Board members and make publicly available. Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 13
Working Group Lifeline Australia s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group comprises of Lifeline Australia staff and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people representative. The groups works is enhanced though consultation with Lifeline Australia Executive and various committees including the Lifeline Australia National Board. Working Group members are: Name Title Expertise Email Kylie Wilson Project Group Coordination kylie.wilson@lifeline.org.au Hannah Dawes Service Support Centre Operations hannah.dawes@lifeline.org.au Angela Mason Communications Communication and Public Relations angela.mason@lifeline.org.au Alison McGrath Human Resources Manager Human Resources alison.mcgrath@lifeline.org.au Alan Woodward Director Lifeline Research Foundation Research alan.woodward@lifeline.org.au Gia Chu DV-alert Community Development Community Development gia.chu@lifeline.org.au Tracey Whetnall Trainer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Representative tracey.whetnall@effect.net.au Lifeline Australia 'Reflect" Reconciliation Action Plan 14