Reconciliation Action Plan
Acknowledgement of Country
Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI) centres operate in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions in which the many peoples of the Dharawal and Yuin nations reside.
SAHSSI acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay respect to Elders past and present and value the rich history, culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
"On behalf of SAHSSI’s Management Committee, our senior management team and our employees, we are pleased to announce the commencement of our organisation’s journey and commitment to achieving meaningful reconciliation between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples hold an important and unique place as Custodians of our land and waters. Our shared history tells a tale of undeniable exclusion inflicted upon Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Their cultures are a reminder to all Australians of the intrinsic importance of connection to family, Country and rising up to challenges of adversity.
Our first RAP is the beginning of meaningful consultations with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations, Reconciliation Australia, our staff and clients. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this plan and look forward to sharing our learnings".
Sandra Luschwitz, Chairperson and Kathy Colyer, CEO
SAHSSI Reconciliation Action Plan
View SAHSSI’s Reconciliation Action Plan here
The artwork used on the cover page and featured throughout this document is called ‘Changing Life Cycles’ by artist Allison Day. Born in Port Kembla NSW, Allsion is a proud Dunghutti and Biripi woman and the winner of SAHSSI’s 2019 Aboriginal Art Competition.
The artist’s story expressed within the artwork:
“The painting depicts the changing life cycles through coming together, walking together – taking pathways that lead us to SAHSSI centres. The women are reaching out, branching out into our ever changing communities. These centres have created pathways for women and youth. They are given hope and care coming out of domestic violence. This becomes the first step in their safety net – to a life of non-violence”.
In light of COVID 19, SAHSSI have been granted an extension from Reconciliation Australia and our Reflect RAP will now run from March 2020 – September 2021.