KU Annual Report KU Annual Report 2017 | Page 17

FINANCIALS KU 20 17 As the RAP Champions, and other KU staff more broadly, continue to engage with and inspire others on the reconciliation journey, we are proud to see a new generation of leaders emerging within KU; educators and leaders with a demonstrated commitment to KU’s values of diversity and inclusion. One such RAP Champion is Mark Taylor, Director at KU Peninsula on the NSW mid-north coast. Having been amongst the very first centres to publish a RAP, Mark is now working with other KU centres to share his experience, assisting them to navigate the process of developing a plan and building community connections. “KU Peninsula is a centre already deeply embedded in our local community,” explained Mark, “so the process of RAP development was, for us, an extension of our desire to build on those connections. Incorporating Aboriginal culture within the centre and educational program adds a richness and depth that is quite unique. “Together children and staff develop a much gre ater appreciation for the land, stories and history of this country and community.” KU is delighted we are already seeing these steps towards reconciliation delivering tangible results. In 2017, there was an increase in parent 11 participation in KU services, as educators and families engaged in conversations about reconciliation, and the RAP Working Groups began being formed. Between July and December 2017, approximately 20 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people joined RAP Working Groups. As we continue to invest more energy, time and money in our reconciliation efforts, and our Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Programs, we are pleased to be able to welcome more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, staff, Elders and friends into our centres.