Our Commitment to Reconciliation
Listening deeply. Walking together. Acting with purpose in our communities.
At CatholicCare we are committed to reconciliation and to building inclusive, thriving communities where the dignity of every person is respected and upheld through how we work, who we work with, and the services we provide every day.
Our mission is to support people to harness their strengths, nurture their relationships, and build positive futures. Across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Macarthur, we walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples building relationships based on respect, partnership and shared responsibility. Our focus is not just on what we say, but on the actions we take to create culturally safe, connected and thriving communities.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, including the Dharawal, Yuin, Dharug and Gundungurra Nations, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We honour their enduring cultures, languages and deep spiritual connection to Country and recognise this connection continues to shape community, identity and wellbeing today. We are committed to ensuring our work respects and reflects this.
Our approach
Reconciliation for us is ongoing. It calls us to listen with humility, learn with openness and act with integrity.
We recognise the impact of past injustices while honouring the strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. This shapes how we design our services, build partnerships and support our people.
We are committed to:
- Strengthening relationships with local Aboriginal communities and organisations
- Embedding cultural safety into everyday service delivery
- Building capability and confidence across our workforce
- Ensuring community voices guide the way we design and deliver support
What this looks like in practice
Our commitment is reflected in the way we work every day across every service, every team and every community.
Culturally safe services
We create environments where people feel safe, respected and understood, supporting stronger connections to culture, family and community.
Working in partnership
We partner with local Aboriginal communities and organisations, ensuring our services reflect community priorities and strengths.
Learning and capability
We invest in ongoing learning to build a culturally responsive workforce that can meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Inclusive programs
We design and deliver programs informed by lived experience, listening first and adapting to what matters most.
Ongoing commitment
We are progressing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and strengthening how we embed reconciliation into everyday practice.
Reconciliation across our services
Reconciliation is not a standalone initiative; it is embedded across everything we do.
Aged Care
Supporting older people in ways that respect cultural identity, connection and community
Children, Young People & Families
Walking alongside children, yound people and families with culturally responsive early intervention and support.
Disability & NDIS
Delivering person-centred supports grounded in understanding, respect and cultural safety.
Counselling & Wellbeing
Partnering with local communities to build connection, inclusion and opportunity.
In our community
We welcomed the Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience to our Shellharbour Early Learning Centre. As a community‑focused service, we are committed to building strong connections with local cultural groups and providing our children with meaningful opportunities to learn about the world around them.
The children enjoyed a rich and immersive cultural experience, listening to stories, joining in songs and traditional dance, and learning about native Australian animals, trees, and plants. One of the highlights was having their faces painted with ochre. It was a special moment many children talked about long after the session ended.
At CatholicCare Shellharbour ELC, we believe in shaping curious, compassionate learners by bringing the community into our centre and celebrating the rich diversity that surrounds us. Experiences like this help them deepen their appreciation for Aboriginal culture and strengthen their connection to the local community.
We look forward to welcoming more community partners into our centre as we continue to grow together.
Partnerships in practice
Our Families & Communities Program has worked closely with several Aboriginal Organisations and Communities throughout the period of our funding (over 15 years).
We are fortunate to be welcomed into these communities, which allows us to provide what we can to best support the community, and most of all provides us with ongoing learning, understanding and appreciation for the community and culture.
We have regular conversations with the organisations on how best to meet the needs of their clients and community. These are some examples of the support we have provided:
- Oolong Drug & Alcohol House delivering group programs including Seasons for Healing
- Waranwarin Tharawal Child & Family Centre delivering a range of parenting programs
- South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation delivering and cofacilitating group programs including Seasons for Healing
- Attendance at the Men’s group held at Aboriginal Land Council Nowra
Our Families & Communities Program have facilitators trained as companions in the Seasons for Healing Program. They deliver this when requested, and in partnership with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Agencies or Communities.
“Seasons for Healing has helped me so much. The things I have learnt will be forever in my mind. I hope this group continues because it’s so valuable. I would recommend this program to everyone.”
We’re proud to be participating in the following NAIDOC week festivities in 2026:
- Monday July 6 – Campbelltown – Billabong Parklands
- Wednesday July 8 – Shoalhaven Showground
- Thursday July 9 – CareWays Community Hub Koonawarra
Reconciliation is a shared journey. It grows through relationships, trust and consistent action over time.
We invite our staff, partners and communities to walk with us as we continue to listen, learn and do better together.
If you’d like to learn more, access culturally safe support or partner with us we’d love to hear from you.