Our Reconciliation Journey
icare is committed to a future in which First Nations people and communities thrive.
Our vision for reconciliation
icare is committed to shaping a future in which First Nations peoples and communities share in an equitable, just, prosperous and rewarding future where all Australians thrive collectively.
Why is our commitment important?
As a public organisation serving the people of NSW, our organisation is uniquely placed to create meaningful and sustainable difference for our First Nations scheme participants, employees and partners, helping us achieve our vision for supporting the communities of NSW to thrive.
Acknowledgement of Country
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Highlights of the icare Reconciliation Journey
Beginning the Journey: Pre 2022
Prior to registering icare's intention with Reconciliation Australia, the structures, associations and relationships were established to listen, learn and collaborate.
Within icare:
- Appointment of the Group Executive for People and Culture and the Executive Sponsor responsible for implementation
- A cross-functional Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group and Charter with First Nations and non-Indigenous employees was established
- Raising employee awareness, reflection and participation in National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and Australia Day
- Employee participation in SBS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency program
- PSC Stolen Generations trauma-informed training.
External to icare:
- Nganya First Nations advisors appointed for guidance on Reflect RAP development
- Contributed to collective social change via NSW Government Agencies
- Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) membership and Indigenous Network attendance at the Reconciliation Australia Convention 2021 and Gari Yala.
On the Journey: 2022-2024
The Reflect RAP was launched November 2022 to foster belonging, so that First Nations peoples feel respected, safe and supported, regardless of their interactions with us; as injured workers, employees, employers or partners
Within icare:
- Developed an action plan based on four pillars of respect, opportunity, relationships and governance
- Increased capability through cultural safety programs and protocols, initiated at board level, and implemented from executive to front line
- Delivered cultural awareness training for front line
- Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week, hosting internal events and attending external events
- Established the First Nations Working Group to support the implementation of the RAP, with progress reported 6 monthly to our Group Executives and Board
- Reviewed HR policies and procedures for respectful behaviour, inclusion, diversity and flexible working.
External to icare:
- Increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
- Established partnerships through procurement services for events, training, merchandise and artwork
- Developed an understanding of the local Traditional Owners or Custodians of the lands and waters within our organisation’s operational areas
- Established a relationship with the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
- Demonstrated senior leadership support for Reconciliation through external online footprint, digital communications, and networks
- Created understanding of NAIDOC Week amongst employees, initiating a leave policy for First Nations employees.
Moving to the Next Stage: 2025 onwards
- Continuation of our journey by registering to develop our Innovate RAP
- New icare First Nations artwork commissioned to represent our journey
- Acknowledgement of Country video launch
- icare Leadership Development Program integration with inclusive leadership.
Reconciliation highlights
Stories from our journey so far
To improve the experiences of those we serve, icare uses a Listen, Learn & Act framework. Using empathy and respect it prioritises listening and understanding to redesign our services, processes and actions to meet their needs.
