One Year On: Reflecting on Intereach’s Reconciliation Action Plan

One year ago, on 27 March 2025, Intereach proudly launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Mildura — marking an important step in our organisation-wide commitment to reconciliation across all the communities we serve.

Although the launch occurred in Mildura, the RAP is much more than a single event or location. It is a collective commitment across regional NSW and Victoria, that guides our collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations throughout our service area.

The launch itself was a powerful reflection of what reconciliation looks like in action. Held in partnership with community, the day brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, Intereach staff, partners and stakeholders in a shared space of respect, learning and connection.

Traditional dances by Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS), grounded the launch in culture, storytelling and community spirit. These performances created a strong sense of connection and set the tone for the journey ahead — one built on listening, understanding and walking together.

Twelve months on, Intereach has made meaningful progress in delivering on the commitments set out in the RAP — not just in one location, but across our entire organisation.

• 25% of actions have been fully delivered
• 75% of actions are currently in progress or ongoing
• 63 actions are being tracked across the life of the plan

These actions span a wide range of initiatives focused on strengthening relationships, increasing cultural understanding, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the many communities we support.

Over the past year, reconciliation has been embedded into the way we work across teams, services and locations. This has included:

• Supporting and participating in key events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week across multiple regions
• Building and strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and community groups throughout our service area
• Providing opportunities for staff to engage in cultural learning and development
• Promoting awareness and understanding of reconciliation across our organisation and in the communities we serve

This work has been guided by our RAP Working Group, whose leadership continues to play a critical role in driving progress and ensuring accountability across Intereach.

Intereach Co-CEO, Yvette Buhagiar, reflected on the significance of the milestone:

“The launch of our RAP in Mildura was a truly special moment — one that brought people together in a spirit of respect and shared purpose.

“What’s been most important is how that moment has been forward across our entire organisation. Every day we are continuing to build relationships, deepen understanding and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation,” she said.

While this milestone is an opportunity to celebrate, it is also a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey — one that extends across every part of Intereach.

Over the next 12 months, Intereach will continue to:

• Deliver on remaining RAP actions
• Deepen engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the region
• Strengthen cultural capability across our workforce
• Embed reconciliation more deeply into all areas of our organisation

As we move into the second year of our RAP, Intereach remains committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, building stronger relationships, and contributing to more inclusive, respectful and connected communities.