Our Innovate RAP represents the natural next step for Vicinity in increasing respect, equality and opportunity for Indigenous Australians following the conclusion of our inaugural Reflect RAP, which was launched in 2018 to commence our reconciliation journey.

Our Reflect RAP helped us to understand and identify how Vicinity could make a positive impact on reconciliation and extend our contribution towards a more equitable, just and reconciled Australia. It gave us a greater appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, customs and history, and provided insights on what we are doing well, what we need to do better and where we need to go further.

Our Innovate RAP continues to guide Vicinity on this journey and supports our sustainability and diversity, inclusion and belonging objectives – to shape better communities and foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates difference.  It commits Vicinity to continue deepening relationships, increasing cultural awareness and connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with employment and business opportunities across our organisation.

The COVID -19 pandemic has impacted our ability to implement some of our Innovate RAP commitments during FY20, in particular, those commitments requiring in-person engagement with local Indigenous stakeholders and using our centres as platforms where local communities can join our celebration of important events such as National Reconciliation Week. Vicinity has welcomed a six-month extension to deliver our Innovate RAP (by November 2021), granted by Reconciliation Australia.

Launch of our Innovate RAP at Vicinity Centres' National Office

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Innovate RAP	Reflect RAP

to the centre’s expansive rooftop solar system.Vicinity’s Indigenous supply partner Wilco Electrical was engaged to undertake electrical work for the solar car park shades. Operational cleaning supplies for the centre are sourced from Wirrpanda Supplies. A proportion of the profits of this Indigenous-owned business are donated to the Wirrpanda Foundation, which supports young Indigenous people to complete training and transition to employment. 

To support Aboriginal youth to gain life skills and confidence, Karratha City was again the gold sponsor of ‘Pilbara Girl’ during NAIDOC Week 2019, which inspires young Aboriginal women (from 16 to 25 years of age) to make positive life choices and avoid experiencing the devastation of substance abuse, domestic violence and suicide which can be prevalent in their communities.

The young Aboriginal women finished the program with a sense of purpose, belonging and armed with life skills to grow their confidence. In addition to the gold sponsorship, Karratha City and its tenants provided catering, merchandise, media and signage to support the event. The centre also provided the space for the program’s education sessions.

On 27 May 2020, Vicinity team members from around the country came together virtually to mark the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2020.ur CEO and Managing Director, Grant Kelley spoke with Chief People Officer, Tanya Southey in a shared reflection of their own perspectives on reconciliation and the role we can play as individuals, with our families and as a Vicinity team to progress reconciliation outcomes.

Mr. Kelley shared that “Since the launch of our first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2018, Vicinity has made significant progress in creating centres and workplaces which allow our communities to progress reconciliation. We all have a role to play in building relationships and communities that value and respect Indigenous peoples, histories and cultures. Now, perhaps more than ever, this year’s theme of ‘In this together’ rings true.”

As COVID-19 had impacted our ability to celebrate NRW in our centres and corporate offices, our people were encouraged to participate in a range of virtual activities, including online events, films and documentaries.