Reconciliation WA Advocacy Committee
Reconciliation WA is pleased to announce the formation of the Reconciliation WA Advocacy Committee (RWAAC)
Reconciliation WA (RWA) is deepening its commitment to fostering unity and transforming relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people while advocating for social justice and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Through our Reconciliation WA Advocacy Committee (RWAAC), we amplify our efforts, building on respectful relationships and achieving positive outcomes with Aboriginal people and the broader community. We are forging a path towards a unified WA and a more just and inclusive future and society. We aspire to remove division and strive for unity.
RWAAC will advise the Reconciliation WA (RWA) Board using collective voices to guide culturally on advocacy issues we pursue. The Committee will enhance RWA’s public advocacy approach.
The RWAAC will support the Reconciliation movement by:
- Recognising Aboriginal people across the state while acknowledging operations on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar.
- We are promoting social justice across the five dimensions of reconciliation, including race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance.
As a representative voice, the RWAAC advises on issues to advance reconciliation. It will provide input on advocacy strategies, ensure cultural knowledge, protocols, sensitivities, and barriers are considered, and prioritise cultural safety.
How will members be appointed?
Expressions Of Interest for RWAAC Membership
Reconciliation WA calls for members to join the newly formed Reconciliation WA Advocacy Committee. Our goal is to gather a diverse group of members with a wide array of advocacy skills and perspectives, representing the many areas affected by systemic inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, along with allies with advocacy skills. Initial membership will be invitational through an expression of interest process. A shortlist will determine committee members that Reconciliation WA and its Board will consider.
Expressions of Interest have now closed. We will now carefully consider potential candidate applications as we begin the review process.
Our dedication to actionable change will be strengthened by establishing the RWAAC. We are eager to collaborate with passionate individuals from across all of WA’s regions who are committed to the reconciliation movement.
Toby Millar - Reconciliation WA Cultural Engagement Manager
Who will sit on the Committee?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members
- Reconciliation WA Board Member
- Reconciliation WA Cultural Engagement Manager
- Two Aboriginal Elders
- Two community members representing the Youth (Aged 16-35)
Non-Aboriginal Members
- Reconciliation WA Board Member
- Reconciliation WA CEO
- Two Advocacy Advisors
RWAAC Membership
Memberships will be reviewed annually, and a staggered turnover renewal process will occur. After the first year, 50% of the committee positions will be up for renewal; the following year, the remaining committee will be renewed. This will maintain continuity and succession of knowledge and momentum.
The RWAAC will operate confidentially, following the RWA code of conduct, and promote respect and responsiveness towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and culture.
It is essential to understand that the RWAAC does not speak on behalf of the wider Aboriginal community, act in a way that provides ‘Traditional Owner signoff’ or operate in a way that gives cultural guidance on that level. Should RWA need Traditional Owner guidance, that will be sought through appropriate channels and cultural protocols.
