Mind Australia is proud to announce the next step in our reconciliation journey – the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

The Innovate RAP, launched on Friday 28 April at the Cairns Community Care Unit (Queensland), builds on the foundations created by our Reflect RAP (launched in 2019), and is the crucial next step in Mind’s strategic vision for inclusive and innovative mental health services. 

Mind Board Director Leilani Darwin, a proud Quandamooka woman whose ancestral home is Stradbroke Island, said the Innovate RAP outlined a vision for truly inclusive mental health services that champion the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“Mind’s vision for reconciliation is for a mental health sector – and workplaces – where safety, equity and inclusion are fully realised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities,” Ms Darwin said. 

“We are achieving our vision for the provision of mental health services where the wellbeing principles and practices of First Nations people are embraced and embedded into service design, delivery, leadership and governance. 

“We have some way to go, but it is our belief that true reconciliation can be achieved when all Australians understand and acknowledge the impacts of our colonial history. Together, we can work towards a united future where the cultures and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised as being integral to this country’s identity.” 

Some key commitments of Mind’s Innovate RAP are: 

  • developing and implementing practice guidelines, tools and training programs that provide staff with the skills needed to support people of Aboriginal heritage 
  • better understanding and implementing cultural protocols, and ensuring an organisation-wide understanding of the impact of our colonial history on the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage 
  • providing more employment and mentoring opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and 
  • setting and meeting an employment target that three percent of Mind staff will be of Aboriginal heritage by April 2025. 

Mind CEO Gill Callister said Mind will continue to bring the voices of people of Aboriginal heritage into everything we do. 

“Mind is committed to listening to the voices of Elders and community leaders, expanding our networks and partnerships with them and exploring new opportunities,” Ms Callister said. 

“Our Innovate RAP is the next step in our organisation’s contribution to reconciliation. We are excited to undertake this next chapter in our reconciliation journey, and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you along the way.” 

Mind client Stephen also attended the RAP launch. Stephen said he is proud to have his artwork featured throughout the RAP document – read Stephen’s story. 

Read more on Mind’s Innovate RAP. 

If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

If you would like more information about Mind services near you, please contact us via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.