BUSHkids Annual Report 2022-23

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Annual Report 2022–23

BUSHkids Reconciliation Action Plan What is reconciliation?

Our core business is support for children and their families, to form trusting relationships that harness the strengths of individuals and the communities in which they live. We understand cultural safety goes beyond the skills of individual practitioners but must also be embed ded across the whole organisation and inform how we design and support First Nations children, families and communities. Our REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will guide our organi sation on our journey of reconciliation. It reflects upon the many valued partnerships we have formed with families, organisations and cultural leaders, and as we engage our people in supportive learning and cul tural development opportunities. Our RAP provides clear strategic actions that lay the foundations for placing reconciliation at the heart of our service design and delivery, through our understanding of and relationships with communities.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. u reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/what-is-reconciliation BUSHkids is committed to deepening our understanding of the unique issues that continue to be faced by First Nations people across the many communities in which we serve. We acknowledge the importance of providing services that are culturally safe and will strengthen relationships with First Nations people and organisations and celebrate the cultural diversity of communities across our regions.

Scan the QR code below or visit bushkids.org.au/rrap

Cunnamulla Healthy Outback Kids

Since 2020 BUSHkids has been working with cultural community stakeholders and Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health (CACH) to support children, families and the community. With funding through the Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) Healthy Outback Kids program , BUSHkids works collaboratively with the CACH New Directions team to build upon strengths in the community to support children’s development. BUSHkids’ model relies on our dedicated clinical team, comprising Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist, with consultation available from other allied health professionals. We provide a regular visiting service, backed up by telepractice, and have recruited a local community member who is training up in the Allied Health Assistant role. We work with the community with a strong focus on supporting children and families early to achieve the best outcomes. BUSHkids takes a community capacity-building approach and provides support and education for parents, early childhood educators and other key stakeholders.

Did you know? Across all funding streams, First Nations

peoples comprise almost 16% of BUSHkids’ clientele in 2023.