A step towards unity
We have an ongoing commitment to engaging with First Nations people in line with our Catholic ethos, which is to value and respect all human life.
Southern Cross Care commenced our inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2024. Since then, we have continued our reconciliation journey of listening, learning, developing new partnerships and celebrating culture. We are pleased to announce that as of February 2026, we have received endorsement by Reconciliation Australia of our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. This is a two-year action plan, and we are excited to continue our journey of listening, learning, and laying the foundations for lasting change for reconciliation.
We are committed to delivering meaningful action that solidifies our dedication to reconciliation. Our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan aims to:
Our RAP working group is dedicated to championing our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and ensuring we carry out its actions with purpose and integrity. If you would like to reach out to our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan working group for any discussion about our reconciliation journey or to connect with us, please contact John Manouk: john.manouk@sccqld.com.au
In 2023, contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist, Wendy Rix, was commissioned to create artwork to celebrate the reconciliation journey at SCC. Wendy is a proud Yuwaalaraay woman, born in Dirranbandi. Her family are from Goodooga in New South Wales. Wendy has works displayed overseas and around Australia.
Wendy explained the significance behind the artwork: “The organisation is represented by the meeting place by the coast it is the large circle at the bottom right corner. The cross is in the centre with all the other services spread throughout the region. They are all connected by long journey lines – physical journey, as well as spiritual, of individuals, staff, clients and community. U shapes represent people. The hands represent care. The cracked mud effect is my representation of my country, hot and dry. It is also everyone’s connection to our land.”
Wendy along with distinguished First Nations guests, Uncle Bob Anderson OAM and Bundambah Yah, attended SCC’s special NAIDOC Week 2024 and 2025 to celebrate with SCC staff and other guests. View the event highlights from 2024 here and event highlights from 2025 here.
With funding and support by the Australian Government through the National Indigenous Australians Agency in 2025, Wendy also facilitated a number of art workshops in our metropolitan homes. In addition, with our homes in the Western Downs we celebrated with the Smoking Ceremony by Alan Martin (Rainbow Warrior), sharing the cultural meaning and purpose behind this sacred tradition and Bush Tucker & Culture Workshop with Valerie Murray (Maudu Collective), featuring Indigenous foods, symbols, and crafts — with taste testing.
Read about how we extended our NAIDOC celebrations across our homes here.
Partnerships are the cornerstone of reconciliation, fostering understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect. We collaborate with and take guidance from industry and community stakeholders so together we add value to the community and those we serve. By embracing diverse perspectives and working together, we can pave the way for healing and progress towards a shared future of reconciliation. We have built strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, as well as collaborating with key contacts from organisations with a similar focus on reconciliation, including:
We hope to further develop our partnerships and build new mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. To connect with us, please contact John Manouk: john.manouk@sccqld.com.au
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care of the land, waterways and seas, and their continual cultural connection to Country as expressed through their histories, music, languages, laws, and ceremonial songs, artwork and dancing. We commit ourselves to actively walk alongside First Nations People for reconciliation and justice.
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