Australia’s peak eye health body Vision 2020 Australia is launching their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as part of their commitment to reducing current inequities in eye health and vision of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples; and supporting their right to self-determination.
Board members of Vision 2020 Australia and CEO Patricia Sparrow will be launching the Reflect RAP at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference today, on 25 May 2022, on Larrakia Country.
“Vision 2020 Australia has a total commitment to improving the eye health and vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and supporting community leadership and control of that work,” said Patricia Sparrow, Vision 2020 Australia CEO.
“Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan further formalises this commitment by outlining concrete measures to progress our reconciliation journey.”
Vision 2020’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and follows their existing framework of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance. It includes the following key priorities:
- Establishing and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, stakeholders and community organisations
- Embedding culturally sensitive protocols and cultural learning through the organisation to increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights
Vision 2020 Australia will also establish and maintain an effective RAP Working Group to drive the implementation of the Reflect RAP and report on its achievements.
“The objective of our Reflect RAP is to impact lasting and meaningful change towards Reconciliation. It is the first of many crucial steps in that direction.
“In line with this year’s Reconciliation Week theme “Be Brave: Make Change”, our work will be underpinned by the clear actions outlined in this RAP that we are strongly committed to delivering.
“We look forward to reporting on our progress.”
ENDS
Media contact: Dishi Gahlowt, 0434 159 833 or dishigahlowt@essentialmedia.com.au
About Vision 2020 Australia
Vision 2020 Australia is the national peak body working in partnership to prevent avoidable
blindness and improve vision care in Australia and our region. We represent around 45 member organisations involved in local and global eye health and vision care, health promotion, low vision support, vision rehabilitation, eye research, professional assistance and community support. www.vision2020australia.org.au