Reconciliation
at Scotch Oakburn College

A Step Forward Together

We are proud to announce the official launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) a significant and meaningful step in Scotch Oakburn College’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation. 

Our RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and built in partnership with Narragunnawali and our local Aboriginal community, reflects our deep commitment to truth-telling, cultural respect, and equitable opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our vision for reconciliation is grounded in celebrating our diverse community and embracing shared responsibility. We strive to be a strong voice for reconciliation in Australia.”

 – Scotch Oakburn Collge RAP, Vision Statement

What Our RAP Represents 

  • A genuine commitment to relationship-building with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly with the Palawa/pakana people, on whose Country our College is located. 
  • An opportunity to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives across our curriculum and school life. 
  • A promise to create safe, inclusive and connected environments where all students can thrive and where the voices of First Nations peoples are heard and valued. 

Key Actions in Our RAP

Over the next 12 months, we will focus on 25 practical, meaningful actions across three key pillars:

RELATIONSHIPS

  • Inviting Elders and Traditional Owners to share cultural knowledge 
  • Celebrating National Reconciliation Week and other days of significance 
  • Embedding reconciliation in Early Learning Frameworks and K–12 classrooms 

RESPECT

  • Regular Acknowledgements of Country 
  • Visible cultural representation through flags, murals, and learning spaces 
  • An anti-racism strategy tailored to our College context 

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy 
  • Inclusive curriculum planning and staff cultural capability building 
  • Dedicated RAP budget to sustain and grow our efforts 

Meet the Working Group

Our RAP Working Group includes passionate teaching and professional staff from across the College, who have helped shape and lead this important work. We thank them for their dedication, insights and commitment to driving meaningful change. A full list of working group members is included in the plan. 

Alex Austin Mark Hassell Ross Patterson Karen van der Aa
Joel Brewer Catriona Hurd Simone Ralph Stuart Walls
Carmel Dilger Sarah Lillywhite Jono Sullivan Nicole Willcox
Kate Gard Ben Marsland Fiona Taylor Peter Williams

A Living Document, A Lasting Commitment

Our RAP is more than a plan, it as a living document that will evolve as we listen, learn and grow. It represents the start of a long-term journey, one that calls on all of us to reflect, engage, and act. 

We encourage all members of the Scotch Oakburn community, students, families, staff, and Collegians, to read our RAP and join us in this shared journey of learning and action. 

Read the RAP: Download the full document here  
Learn more about Narragunnawali: Narragunnawali – Scotch Oakburn College