Play Matters Australia launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Friday, 20 May 2022. The launch took place at the Cairns Messy Play Matters community event attended by hundreds of families from across the Cairns region.
CEO Kirsty Dixon was joined by local community leaders and spoke about Play Matters Australia’s commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.
“This is an important step for our company in joining the national reconciliation movement across Australia.” Ms Dixon said.
“Our team is committed to supporting self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities."
The local Yarrabah Community attended the event and delivered a Welcome to Country. Play Matters Australia has worked alongside the Yarrabah Community for over 15 years, supporting the delivery of playgroup programs.
Play Matters Australia’s Senior Coordinator for FNQ, Paula Castle, spoke about the importance of reconciliation with First Nations Peoples.
“Play Matters Australia has had a presence in indigenous communities for nearly two decades.” Ms Castle said.
“It is essential that the voices of those families we work with, in indigenous communities, are heard and respected."
“I am proud of the relationships our organisation has forged with indigenous communities across the country, and although there’s lots more work to do, today is an important step forward in our reconciliation journey.”
Amanda Franklin, a descendant of the Kokatha people, lives in Cairns and painted the RAP artwork. This painting reflects the connections and journeys of a child, parent/caregiver, and educator. The figures in the centre represent a child and adult walking together on this journey.
To view the Play Matters Australia Reconciliation Action Plan, click here.
If you’d like to learn more about what Play Matters Australia does, click here.