We are thrilled to announce that our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been formally approved by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia.
With official accreditation by Reconciliation Australia, Zea is now formally recognised as a member of the RAP network.
This milestone represents our commitment to reconciliation, social responsibility, and creating a brighter future for all Australians, while acknowledging the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Learn more about what our Reflect RAP entails and our journey to getting it approved below.
Artwork by Holly McLennan-Brown
WHAT IS A RAP?
A RAP serves as a guiding framework for building meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people, engaging in cultural learning and awareness, and ensuring that our business practices consistently reflect our commitment to reconciliation, respect, and collaboration.
There are four RAP types - Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate - that represent the different stages of an organisation’s reconciliation journey.
A Reflect RAP runs for 12 months and serves as the foundation for scoping capacity for reconciliation and preparing for reconciliation initiatives in future RAPs.
This typically involves developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, and scoping where an organisation can best have impact in their sphere of influence.
WHAT IS THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS?
In order to be formally approved by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia, our Reflect RAP draft underwent two to three rounds of extensive review and feedback.
To help guide our initial steps, we enlisted the support of independent consultant Tyson Holloway-Clarke. Through a series of sessions, Tyson has worked with Zea to better understand how to structure and implement our RAP effectively. We extend our gratitude and acknowledgment to Tyson for his valuable contribution and leadership.
Consultant, Tyson Holloway-Clarke
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A RAP
Reconciliation is a meaningful commitment to acknowledging the past, addressing the present, and building a more equitable future. Our RAP will be our roadmap in this endeavour.
Through the development and dedication to this RAP, our aim is to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to reconciliation, and contribute to the broader national effort to acknowledge and honour the unique history, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian society.
The implementation of our RAP will also enhance our cultural capability, enabling our workplace to better understand and appreciate the rich cultural diversity of Australia.
Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT): ASRAC Ranger, Arafura Swamp - Photo By Stacey Irving
OUR NEXT STEPS TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
Our RAP signifies a significant step toward greater cultural awareness and maturity within our organisation. We now shift our focus towards the implementation of our Reflect RAP - along with developing future RAPs and engaging in more reconciliation initiatives.
These endeavours will involve education, awareness, and active engagement.
To support the effective implementation of our RAP, Zea will adopt a coordinated and collaborative approach, involving all levels of our workforce. A dedicated working group will oversee the implementation process, comprising external partners who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, providing leadership and expertise relevant to the RAP.
After 12 months, we subsequently aim to develop and submit our Innovate RAP - which represents the next stage of the RAP process and involves outlining actions for achieving our vision for reconciliation.
Director, Jade McKenzie with Holly McLennan-Brown and her artwork
As we launch our RAP, we extend our mission of healing to the diverse communities and cultures that are the heart and soul of this great land.
Together, we will learn, grow, and contribute to a more just and inclusive Australia. Together, we can build a better future for all Australians, guided by the principles of respect, understanding, and unity.
