the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

Our RAP theme ‘where two rivers run together’ reflects the coming together of our two predecessor organisations and symbolises our commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with truth, respect and shared purpose.

Our launch event brought together staff from across the country, with a livestream from our Melbourne/Naarm office with Chief Executive Officer Tom Symondson. Alongside Tom were Yorta Yorta artists Luke and Siena from Bayadherra, who created the powerful artwork Bultjubul Dungula (meaning ‘two rivers’ in Yorta Yorta language), representing our shared journey.

This RAP is more than a document. It’s a 15-month roadmap for meaningful, measurable change – embedding reconciliation across our governance, workforce and daily work. It reflects our ambition to support and influence our members and the broader sector to do the same – not by directing others, but by leading with integrity and sharing what we learn along the way.

At our 2025 Ageing Australia National Conference, we hosted a dedicated reconciliation space featuring our RAP artwork and printed copies of the plan. Located in the main delegate thoroughfare, the space provided a moment for reflection and learning, and an invitation to engage with reconciliation a personal way – as well as to better understand our journey and commitments.

We’ve launched our RAP now because this is a critical moment for our sector. The aged care reform agenda – including the Aged Care Act 2024, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Framework (2025–2035) – places cultural safety and inclusion at the centre of care.

Our RAP reflects Ageing Australia’s commitment to meet this moment with purpose. As the national peak for the aged care sector, we have a responsibility to lead by example and support others in embedding culturally safe, inclusive and respectful care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through advocacy, capacity-building and practical resources, we are helping to build the conditions for long-term change.

At Ageing Australia, we are also focused on reconciliation within our own walls. We are working to foster a workplace culture that honours the voices, stories and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is supported by our cross-functional RAP Working Group (RWG). The RWG guides and monitors the implementation of our plan, champions our commitments and ensures reconciliation is embedded across the organisation.

Importantly, this work is ongoing. Our RAP is just the first step. But it is a step we take with intention – grounded in cultural guidance, shaped by our team’s input and delivered with transparency. We will continue to learn, adapt and build our capability as we look ahead to deeper, sustained reconciliation outcomes.

For us, reconciliation is not a project. It’s a commitment. A responsibility. And an opportunity to help shape a future where respect, inclusion and truth-telling are at the heart of ageing well.