May 27 – June 3 is Reconciliation Week, a time when all Australians are invited to come together to learn more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also a time to reflect upon how each of us might contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
There have been moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that have been difficult, however this year’s theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’ stresses the importance of continuing along the path, even though at times it may seem easier to walk away.
At LiveBetter, our commitment to partnership with First Nations Peoples, both in our workforce and our communities, has always been a priority. To that end, we have been working in consultation with Reconciliation Australia to ensure that this partnership is both active and meaningful.
This National Reconciliation Week, we’re thrilled to welcome Rex Cochrane to the LiveBetter team. Rex, a proud Noonghaburra and Kamilaroi man, will take on the all-important role of First Nations Program Advisor, guiding us as we develop our Reconciliation Action Plan – a blueprint for our ongoing engagement and partnership with First Nations customers, staff, and communities.
We asked Rex to explain the importance of reconciliation, and what success looks like.
“Reconciliation is all about the sharing of histories and culture – strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people so together we can promote the positive change that will benefit everyone,” he said.
“In a just, equitable, and reconciled Australia, First Nations children will have the same opportunities and choices as non-Indigenous children, which is not always the case currently. In a just, equitable, and reconciled Australia, the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.”
So, how do we get there?
According to Rex, connecting with people and sharing our stories and our history is a good starting point. And of course, education.
“In my role I’ll be working with LiveBetter staff, educating them about First Nations people, their culture, the way they learn, and the best way to approach different First Nations communities from an employment and service delivery perspective. I hope that through this work, we will see some good outcomes for everyone involved,” said Rex.
At LiveBetter, we are proud to be walking alongside First Nations people on this journey towards reconciliation, and we look forward to working in partnership with our First Nations staff, customers, and communities as together we lay the foundations for a positive future.
