After more than two years of collaboration and planning, Affinity Education Group has launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) reflecting a national community commitment.
The plan’s launch took place in Brisbane on Turrbal and Yuggera land on 3rd April 2025 and was acknowledged nationally across all early childhood education centres operated by Affinity on Monday 7th April.
In partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education, who provide Affinity’s indigenous early childhood education program and educator training as part of the group’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum, executives and members of the Affinity Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group met together for a smoking ceremony attended by Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Les McLeod from Dharug, Yuin and Ngarigo nations.
Supporting Uncle Les was Ms Gabby Collins, proud Aboriginal Lady from the Biripi tribe of Port Macquarie, NSW, and Ms Sophie Campbell, proud Aboriginal Lady from both Wiradjuri & Yuin nations of NSW.
Brian Cook, founder of Wandana Aboriginal Education spoke at the launch, sharing the Wandana team’s feelings of ‘being compelled and inspired to move towards a higher level of vibration and spiritual awareness and connection to each other, and our ancestors of the past.’
“We strive everyday towards a deeper and more authentic connection to oneself, our Elders and community. With a kind heart, gentle steps, clear intention and an open mind, together we can resonate with our Elders, evolve into higher states of consciousness and inspire those around us,” Brian said.
Dr Lesley Jones at Affinity Education Group said the RAP published by Reconciliation Australia reflected ‘many years of walking together towards this point as a national community of early childhood educators, teachers, managers and specialists who together are committed to the vision of reconciliation.’
Melanie Nour, who is co-chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan working group at Affinity Education Group said "Publishing our first Reconciliation Action Plan is a significant and meaningful milestone for Affinity Education Group. As a national early childhood education provider, we recognise the powerful role we play in shaping inclusive and respectful learning environments from the earliest years of life.”
“The Early Years Learning Framework reminds us that ‘children are connected with and contribute to their world’ – and we hold a responsibility to ensure every child sees their identity, culture and community reflected and respected in the learning environment.
“Through our commitment to the Child Safe Standards, we recognise that cultural safety is not optional – it is essential. This RAP marks the beginning of deeper accountability, deeper listening, and a long-term commitment to truth telling, cultural safety and equity across all our services,” Ms Nour said.
Many centres across the Affinity's community already have centre based RAPs and will continue to receive support to develop their own during 2025 and beyond. Further engagement planned post-launch of Affinity’s RAP will include a national audit of centres current RAP status and future planning.
“Reconciliation to us means ongoing reflection – on our actions, our thoughts, our behaviours and our practices. It involves acknowledging the injustices of the past, listening deeply, and walking forward in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards a shared future,” Dr Lesley Jones, Affinity Education Group.
Reconciliation Australia has published the Affinity Education Group RAP here.