As a proud Kokatha woman from northern South Australia, I invite you to stop, pause and acknowledge the department’s new Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. This is a public declaration that we value the ongoing importance of reconciliation, that we're committed to embedding reconciliation through everything we do.

We haven't always got it right in the past. We've had a lack of understanding about “whose responsibility this is. But we have a shared goal of connecting communities and families and to creating equity and excellence for Aboriginal learners.

I'm pleased to see we're moving towards an understanding that reconciliation is the work of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. But it's more than a one-off conversation, a tick-a-box email, or a casual discussion during or after a meeting. We need to listen to each other, co-design new ways of working and stay the distance. These things happen in partnership, but we've moved towards shared responsibilities.

In the past we've asked a lot from our Aboriginal staff who have given a lot of themselves. Now we're asking all non-Aboriginal staff to do the same. I see reconciliation as part of everyone's work, regardless of the position you hold. Reconciliation must become everyone's business. Our new Stretch RAP sets this expectation.

It's grounded in valuing Aboriginal people’s culture, histories and knowledge. Most importantly, it places all of us on the road to walk and journey together. We can all be enriched through the relationships we develop. Yes, relationships are one of our key focuses. These must be built on trust and respect and free of racism.

Respect is also crucial. We'll continue to grow our understanding of Aboriginal cultures, rights and experiences. We're also focused on opportunities for equal participation.

For me, I want to have a say in what happens for Aboriginal children and young people and to feel heard and valued and respected. I want to see cultural understanding hand in hand with high expectations for teaching and learning. I want to be seen as individuals, not as just a collective noun - Aboriginal. It's the individual voices that have helped us to build this RAP. We will embrace Aboriginal voice in our everyday work, whether you're an educator, support staff or corporate employee.

We want to see every Aboriginal child and young person achieving at or above the non-Aboriginal peers, and a department where every Aboriginal person feels safe, valued and heard.

Aboriginal people cannot do this alone. We need everyone to walk towards reconciliation together.

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