As Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) continues to evolve as an organisation, our advocacy extends to people from all backgrounds, including our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We’re committed to doing our part in the journey towards healing this country, and will build strong foundations as we move towards reconciliation.
In 2019 we established our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group Burbangana – meaning ‘take my hand and help me up’ in the Dharug language traditionally spoken in the Sydney region – whose members are senior leaders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and key stakeholders from across the organisation. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our initial timeframes, Reconciliation Australia approved our RAP at the Reflect level in June 2022, with our official launch taking place in August 2022.
Through this Reflect RAP, we aim to elevate the cultural competence of our organisation. We will work towards creating a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures are respected at all times, and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees not only feel a sense a belonging but are supported to thrive within our workforce.
We understand reconciliation to be the shared responsibility of everyone in our organisation. This Reconciliation Action Plan will be championed by our Executive Leadership team and the CPA Board, and supported by our RAP Working Group Burbangana. We encourage everyone to join us on our reconciliation journey.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan cover art was created in 2022 by Leah Cummins, a proud Mayi woman from North-Western Queensland.
The artwork is inspired by the many people who support the vision of CPA, while paying respect to the First Nations of land and sea on mainland Australia and the Torres Strait Islands. The piece is strong and bold, like the people it is inspired by.
"Sharing my love of Indigenous art to the world. I find inspiration in my cultural identity and bring my stories of my country and people to life in my art"
- Leah Cummins
