Reconciliation Action Plan

The Benevolent Society’s vision for reconciliation is of a strong and inclusive Australian society based on equality that advances the economic, political and social inclusion of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve parity in life outcomes.

Our vision for reconciliation is to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a respectful and meaningful way that highlights the wisdom, strength and resilience of one of the world’s oldest cultures.

RAp cover image

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026 - 2028

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey of listening, learning and taking meaningful action. Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026–2028 sets out how The Benevolent Society will strengthen relationships, deepen cultural understanding and create opportunities that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and staff. Through genuine partnerships, cultural humility and shared accountability, the RAP guides how we work towards a more just, inclusive and culturally safe future.

RAP Primary Contact:

Melissa Riley
Executive Director - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy & Partnerships
[email protected]

View our RAP

Image of RAP Artwork by artisit Jacynta Ahwang
Jacyna smiling

Meet Jacynta Ahwang - Our RAP Artist

Jacynta Ahwang is a proud Gudang / Yadhaykenu and Torres Strait Islander digital artist from Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York.  The 18-year-old Northern Peninsula Area State College student, is recognised as a rising First Nations talent. She has received multiple awards, including the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Creative Arts Competition for Year 12 Digital Graphics.

Her work is shaped by her culture, family stories and connection to Country. Through digital illustration and textile design, she shares cultural narratives and inspires other young people. Jacynta’s collaboration with The Benevolent Society reflects a commitment to building a respectful, ongoing relationship grounded in community connection, care and mutual learning.
Jacynta showing the first stages or her artwork

Name of the piece: The Story Tree, Growing Together

At the centre of the artwork is a strong tree, with hands placed along its trunk and branches to symbolise people coming together in unity and strength. Each hand represents individuals, families, communities and organisations building relationships with one another. 
 
Like a tree sustained by strong roots and connected branches, the artwork reflects how people grow through meaningful connections, mutual respect and shared responsibility. The hands show that reconciliation is a shared journey, created collectively as people walk alongside one another. As the tree grows and flourishes, it symbolises connection between people and nature, and the ongoing work of strengthening relationships, learning from one another and nurturing a shared future.  

 

The landscape surrounding the tree reflects Jacynta’s home. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Country is deeply connected to identity, culture, history and belonging. The ocean and land highlight this connection to Country and recognise the environments that sustain culture and community. They also symbolise movement, learning and the pathways that connect communities across Country and through life. 
 
Yarning circles appear throughout the artwork, representing storytelling and the sharing of culture and knowledge. Through this artwork, Jacynta highlights the importance of people coming together to share strength, knowledge and stories. It reflects the value of building new connections and strengthening relationships between communities. 

View the artwork in full size

Melissa Riley and Jacynta looking out to the ocean in Bamaga

Our reconciliation journey

Since launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2012, our journey has been guided by the pillars of Respect, Relationships, and Opportunities. These foundations have shaped every milestone — from strengthening cultural understanding and building genuine partnerships to creating pathways that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to thrive. This timeline reflects how each step forward has deepened our commitment to reconciliation, showing how meaningful action across these pillars continues to influence who we are and how we work.

See our timeline below or click here to view in full size.

RAP timeline