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Engagement with First Nation communities

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APM recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Australians

We acknowledge the special relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with their traditional lands and waters, as well as their unique history and diverse culture, customs and circumstances.

APM’s vision for reconciliation is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to live in this land with respect, equal opportunity and employment.

APM will lead as an inclusive and culturally respectful organisation, working with and contributing to positive and lasting changes in the life circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

In 2011, APM started our journey to reconciliation with our first Reconciliation Action Plan.

It formalised APM's commitment to our vision for reconciliation and provided structure for the steps to change our policies and practices, better supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and clients.

By creating employment opportunities, showing respect and developing relationships, APM hopes to contribute to closing the unacceptable gap that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community.

Our second Reconciliation Action Plan was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and started in 2014 and our third, the Innovation RAP, was launched in 2017 by Australia's Minister for Indigenous Health Hon. Ken Wyatt.

In 2020, the APM Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

This next phase in APM's reconciliation journey is focusing on:

  • Local relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations
  • Continuous improvement of culturally inclusive work environments and client services
  • Providing employment and procurement opportunities

Our Stretch RAP includes actions to further our vision of reconciliation under the pillars of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.

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Our reconciliation commitments

Our teams currently provide services to more than 14,300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

We are committed to helping all our clients achieve their personal and work-related goals and support our staff to build effective working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.

We strongly believe creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly employment opportunities, is in the best interest of our clients, staff and communities and therefore our business.

Another focus area of the Reconciliation Action Plan is to create a workplace and deliver services that respect and value the histories, cultures and perspectives of Indigenous communities.

We value the unique skills, experience and knowledge Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people contribute to our organisation and as an employment services and vocational rehabilitation provider, we believe in a “work first” approach.

To ensure we maintain our commitment and services, this Reconciliation Action Plan will be reviewed in 2022.

Cover artwork by Ms Uhl

This artwork was purchased by APM as the bold, colourful and unique representation of the Western Australia landscape reflects the passion and energy of everyone in our organisation.

Ms Uhl was a renowned artist and respected elder in her community who carved an outstanding career while living with disability.

Ms Uhl lived her life in Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley area of Western Australia.

Through her abstract paintings, Ms Uhl represented her love for her home, her country and her community. Her works often have a focus on trees and their healing and food qualities.

Amazingly many of Ms Uhl’s pieces are inspired by stories about her ancestors’ home in the Kimberley, including the Turtujarti trees in this painting, because Ms Uhl, who used a wheelchair, was unable to visit them herself.