Tillys Play and Education East Maitland

At our service, reconciliation means meaningful partnerships between the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and non-Indigenous peoples, respecting all ways of being and belonging. 

It means to understand and acknowledge that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence, and racism, and doing what we can as a service to take steps towards achieving reconciliation. We understand that although many significant steps have been taken towards reconciliation, there is still a long way to go and that there are still many issues present in today's society. In order to achieve reconciliation in Australia there are five dimensions that need to be met and that these five dimensions are interrelated. 

We strive to ensure we engage in culturally safe practices and a team that is culturally responsive, supporting positive and meaningful relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We strive to provide an environment that feels safe, welcoming and respectful for all children, families and educators, where the cultures, knowledges and voices of First Nations peoples are viewed equally and equitably. We continue to support all dimensions of reconciliation through our RAP, integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and perspectives through our daily practices and acknowledging the ongoing injustices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation.