2018 Inaugural National Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Conference

On 5-6 December 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre at Swinburne, Reconciliation Australia, and the Korin Gamadji Institute at Richmond Football Club held the inaugural National Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Conference.

There were four broad aims for the conference.

  • Inspire organisations to reflect and increase the impact of their reconciliation initiatives
  • Amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have, and continue to, provide leadership in this space
  • Progress the national conversation on reconciliation
  • Strengthen relationships between RAP organisations

Highlights of the conference included:

  • 2018 Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture: Between Resentment and Reconciliation: Living with the Burden of History, by Professor Stan Grant
  • Keynote Address: Reflections on the Reconciliation Journey, by Dr Jackie Huggins AM
  • Keynote Address: The Future of Reconciliation, by Professor Tom Calma AO
  • Panel Sessions:
    • The Role of RAPs in the Reconciliation Journey
    • Sharing RAP Stories
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives on RAPs
    • Advancing National Reconciliation Issues
  • Roundtable on Sharing RAP Stories
  • Cultural events: cultural walks with the Koorie Heritage Trust; yoga with Wayapa Wuurrk Yoga; and music from the group SOUL

The Conference was held at the Swinburne Centre at the Richmond Football Club. Over 370 people attended the conference. Over 450 people also attended the 2018 Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture.