Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Mercy Community’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is more than a document – it is our commitment to building stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and embedding reconciliation into everything we do.
Our RAP reflects our ongoing journey towards reconciliation, guided by respect, meaningful partnerships and opportunities to create positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures.
Click the image below to explore our RAP to learn more about our commitments, the progress we are making and how we are working alongside First Nations peoples to help create a more inclusive and equitable future:
About the Artist
Our Reconciliation Action Plan artwork was created by Aboriginal artist Waylene Currie. The artwork, Ngulli Mobo (meaning “Our Together”), reflects Mercy Community’s commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with respect, compassion and shared purpose. It symbolises connection, belonging and the journey of reconciliation, recognising the importance of listening, learning and building stronger relationships together.
Waylene’s artwork captures Mercy Community’s values of Compassion, Integrity, Dignity and Empowerment, while reflecting our commitment to create culturally safe, respectful and inclusive environments for everyone. To learn more about Waylene, her story and her artwork, visit WRLC Arts. Click the button to discover more of Waylene’s artwork.
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is a simple but meaningful way to recognise the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and to pay our respects to Elders past and present. Below is Mercy Community’s Acknowledgement of Country for use in meetings, presentations and events. While this provides the approved wording, it is intended as a guide for staff to adapt to suit their audience and the Traditional Custodians of the land on which they are meeting or where an event is taking place.
“We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Mercy Community operates and pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal Australia. We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to live in spiritual and sacred relationships with this country.”
First Nations Flags
The Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Flags are powerful symbols of identity, culture and pride. Displaying these flags is one way we acknowledge the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, celebrate the richness of First Nations cultures and demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation.
Torres Strait
The Torres Strait Islander Flag is one of Australia’s official flags and represents the identity, culture and heritage of Torres Strait Islander peoples. Designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island in 1992, the flag reflects the unique culture and traditions of the Torres Strait Islands. Each element of the flag has a special meaning:
- Green represents the land.
- Blue represents the sea that connects the islands. Black represents the Torres Strait Islander people.
- The Dhari (traditional headdress) in the centre symbolises Torres Strait Islander culture.
- The white five-pointed star represents peace, navigation and the five major island groups of the Torres Strait. It also reflects the importance of seafaring traditions.
Flying the Torres Strait Islander Flag acknowledges the rich history, resilience and ongoing contributions of Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal
The Aboriginal Flag is one of Australia’s official flags and is a powerful symbol of Aboriginal identity, pride and connection to Country. Designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja artist, in 1971, the flag was first flown during the Aboriginal rights movement and has since become an enduring symbol of Aboriginal peoples across Australia. Each colour has a special meaning:
- Black represents the Aboriginal people of Australia.
- Red represents the red earth, the spiritual relationship to the land and ochre, which has important cultural significance.
- Yellow represents the sun, the giver of life and protector.
Displaying the Aboriginal Flag is a visible sign of respect and recognition of Aboriginal peoples, their cultures, histories and continuing connection to Country.
