The City previously participated in the Greater Bunbury Reflect RAP, which was developed in 2019 in partnership with neighbouring local governments through Reconciliation Australia's RAP framework.

The City is developing its own Reconciliation Action Plan to build on the work undertaken through the Greater Bunbury Reflect RAP and create a plan that reflects Bunbury's unique community, priorities and aspirations.

Since participating in the Greater Bunbury Reflect RAP in 2019, the City has continued to progress its reconciliation journey by:

• Building and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal community members, organisations and Elders
• Supporting reconciliation-focused events and initiatives, including NAIDOC Week and the annual Walk for Reconciliation
• Increasing awareness and understanding of reconciliation across the organisation through staff engagement, briefings and cultural learning opportunities
• Embedding Acknowledgement of Country practices in meetings, events and communications
• Exploring opportunities to strengthen Aboriginal employment, procurement and cultural learning outcomes
• Establishing internal and external RAP Working Groups to help guide development of the City's new Reconciliation Action Plan
• Working with Aboriginal stakeholders to inform future priorities, partnerships and actions

The new RAP will build on these foundations and help identify the next steps in the City's reconciliation journey.

The City is developing a Reflect RAP through Reconciliation Australia's RAP framework. Reflect RAPs focus on strengthening relationships, increasing understanding and establishing foundations for future reconciliation initiatives.

A RAP provides a structured framework for organisations to strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through practical actions and measurable commitments.

Marrak Holdings is a Bunbury-based Aboriginal-owned consultancy specialising in Aboriginal engagement, cultural advisory services and community consultation. Marrak Holdings has been engaged to support development of the RAP and community engagement process.

The RAP Working Group includes community members, representatives from local organisations, City staff and two Elected Members. The group provides advice and feedback throughout development of the RAP to help ensure a range of perspectives are considered.

Feedback will be reviewed by the project team, Marrak Holdings and the RAP Working Group. Responses will be analysed collectively and used to help identify priorities, opportunities and actions for inclusion in the City's new RAP.