Our Commitment
Play Matters Australia is committed to reconciliation with Australia’s first peoples. Through our organisation's values, mission, and vision we walk hand in hand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the nation to achieve positive outcomes for families and communities. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is our ongoing commitment to establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations stakeholders and organisations, and promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
To the right our First Nations branding is shown. Wisdom and Wonder is an embodied design created by Anekia Kapeen, a proud Yagel and Bundjalung woman, and the founder and CEO of the Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, based in the Norther NSW Clarence Valley region. Aneika is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander youth and their families through education and cultural preservation. Her artwork is inspired by her connection to Country and her dedication to community. This artwork was developed in collaboration with Iscariot Media and Amanda Franklin, a descendant of the Kokatha people.
.jpeg)
Our RAP
The Play Matters Australia Innovate RAP aims to
- create a greater understanding across internal staff of First Nations cultures and histories, supporting and encouraging team members to understand the impacts of colonisation and dispossession
- create culturally safe environments and culturally responsive practices that embed First Nations perspectives into our daily operations
- strengthen children and families' understanding and acknowledgement of First Nations people
- continue to build strong trusted and respectful relationships with First Nations organisations and people
commit to professional development through cultural awareness training and increase First Nations representation in our workforce.
.jpg)
Built on Mutual respect
For over 50 years, Play Matters Australia has supported Australian families, including many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. We've helped to give all children the best possible start in life. Our organisation has worked closely with Elders in communities to inform our Reflect RAP and now our Innovate RAP. Play Matters understands that our reconciliation pathway needs to be built on mutual respect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an acknowledgement of the past.
.png)
Championing and supporting
Play Matters Australia has worked with thousands of families over the years including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Yarrabah, Cherbourg, Woorabinda, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Cooktown, Laura, and Cunnamulla. We've used strengths-based practices to empower families to contribute to the growth of their children and their communities. We employ local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are respected and connected with the local community and provide training, mentoring, and ongoing connection for First Nations peoples. We aim to create communities of upskilled champions who advocate for the importance of families being involved in the development of their children in the early years.