Capturing the Development of a Reconciliation Action Plan in an Aged Care Organisation
Amelie Dean

Date and Time

Friday, November 13, 2026, 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Theme / Track

Policy, advocacy, planning and change

Presentation Format

Concurrent

Background: This study was undertaken in an organisation providing independent living villages, a range of community care and residential aged care services across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The paper explains the early stages of engagement undertaken to develop a Reflective Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) across multiple First Nations Communities. Aims: (1) benchmarking overview of RAPs in the aged care industry; and (2) describing the aged care provider’s engagement process to develop its Reflective RAP. Methods: (1) Document retrieval, analysis and interpretation of RAPs available on aged care provider websites; and (2) ethnographic study using observation field notes of meetings and meeting action points to capture the early stages of developing a Reflective RAP in the participating aged care organisation. Results: (1) A stocktake of RAPs in aged care; and (2) (i) identification of enablers of barriers to establish authentic and genuine engagement with First Nations Communities which is welcoming, supportive and encouraging in the early stages of developing a RAP; and (ii) explaining the process of working with multiple First Nations Communities. Conclusions: This study will highlight areas of strength and where further development is required for aged care RAPs in Australia. Ultimately, the success of a reflective RAP is dependent on creating ongoing respectful relationships with First Nations Communities. Embedding RAPs as living, relational processes—rather than static documents—is essential for strengthening culturally safe aged care practice and supporting the delivery of the right care, by the right people, at the right time.

Keywords

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Community, Education and Training, First Nation People

Authors

Sally Evans, Warrigal
Naomi Howell, University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Stephen Neville, University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Victoria Traynor, University of the Sunshine Coast