6 June 2019: As an initiative of the University of Canberra’s (UC) Reconciliation Action Plan 2018–2020, Reconciliation Awards will be open for individual staff and teams for the first time in 2019.
The Reconciliation Awards aim to acknowledge staff initiatives which strengthen and advance reconciliation at the university.
The awards recognise those who clearly demonstrate inclusive and participatory approaches towards all members of the University community, particularly through raising awareness of, promoting the importance of, and implementing better engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support reconciliation.
Professor Peter Radoll, Dean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy, said the awards would hopefully encourage greater reconciliation efforts across the University.
“Reconciliation is the vehicle that we use to bring the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together and these awards will highlight and reward those driving reconciliation at UC. I encourage all staff who make a contribution to reconciliation to please apply for these awards.”
Recognising the collective commitment to reconciliation supports a sense of community and shared pride in what has been achieved at the University.
It also allows for outstanding examples of work toward reconciliation to be shared with community members, for individuals to be recognised for their commitment to reconciliation and inspires leadership and future positive action toward reconciliation.
The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy also hopes the awards inspire Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous individuals and groups to deepen their affiliations and relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and genuine reconciliation.
The outcomes will foster unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians which will drive social and cultural change within the University and the wider community.
The inaugural Reconciliation Awards will be presented annually as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards from December 2019. More information about the selection criteria is available here.
