Developing Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The Shire of Harvey has developed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – a formal commitment to practical actions that strengthen relationships, show respect, and create opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can download and read our RAP at the link below.
Our RAP will guide how the Shire works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, community members, and organisations across the region. The RAP does this by providing a framework of practical actions for the Shire of Harvey to centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, acknowledge culture and history, and take practical steps towards reconciliation that benefit the whole community.
Reconciliation is about building stronger, more respectful, and more inclusive communities. The RAP will help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are included in shaping the Shire’s future, and that reconciliation is embedded across services, projects, and decision-making.
Our deepest gratitude to the Elders who guided us through this first stage of our reconciliation journey and a big thank you to everyone who got involved in our community engagement around the RAP in 2025. We enjoyed chatting with community about their aspirations for reconciliation. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts via our community survey as well.
To help us implement the RAP, the Shire is establishing a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG). The RAPWG will bring together Aboriginal community members, Elders, elected members, Shire staff and community members who share a commitment to reconciliation.
We love hearing from our community and facilitating collaboration. Your voice is important in helping to shape and implement this initiative. If you would like to get involved or enquire about further information, please email communitydevelopment@harvey.wa.gov.au, or call (08) 9729 0300 and ask for our Reconciliation Community Development Officer.
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a document that lays out formal commitments to working towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and communities.
The RAP framework is structured around three pillars: relationships, respect, and opportunities.
The three pillars are underpinned by governance and reporting.
Reconciliation Australia recognises four RAP types: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, and Elevate.
The Shire has developed a Reflect RAP – the first stage of our reconciliation journey. Reflect RAPs are about building strong foundations on which to undertake a journey of transformational change.
Learn more about the four types of RAP.
Reconciliation is about building stronger, more respectful, and more inclusive communities.
The RAP will help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are included in shaping the Shire’s future. It will guide how the Shire works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, community members, and organisations across the region.
The RAP provides a framework of practical actions for the Shire of Harvey, which includes things like:
- Build respect through forging relationships with local stakeholders, and promoting reconciliation and positive relationships
- Build opportunities through employment and procurement commitments
- Show respect by acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and protocols
You can explore all our committed actions in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
The implementation of our RAP actions will be guided by the Shire’s RAP Working Group (RAPWG), consisting of our Community Development team, Traditional Owners, Elders, Aboriginal organisations and community members with a commitment to Reconciliation and cultural respect.
Our RAPWG will meet on a quarterly basis for the duration of our Reflect RAP to work collaboratively on the RAP actions.
We are now taking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for our RAPWG. You can view the EOI form here for more information or to apply for the RAPWG.
Our RAP is now officially endorsed and registered with Reconciliation Australia. The implementation of the RAP is the responsibility of our RAPWG and will be monitored through our committed measurable actions, and progress reported back to Reconciliation Australia annually as well as the community. The RAP will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure ongoing commitment and preparation for our next step on our reconciliation journey.
To learn more about the RAP process, check out Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation WA.
To learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture, cultural protocols, and the Native Title agreement in the South West, check out the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council website, and also Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation.
To participate in local experiences, check out Harvey Aboriginal Corporation at Boola Bidi and Woolkabunning Kiaka Aboriginal Corporation at Roelands Village.
To find out about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, head to Supply Nation, Australia’s largest national directory of verified Aboriginal business.
