Reconciliation

We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have suffered immeasurable harm since colonisation. The dispossession of land, genocide, removal of children and the ongoing failures of justice have severely damaged their cultures, family systems, languages and spirit.

But we also recognise and respect them as strong, proud and resilient peoples from many diverse nations with histories spanning tens of thousands of years. And we value and celebrate cultures that derive spiritual strength from the relationship with, and care of land, the strength of family and community systems and storylines of proud and resilient peoples.

Jesuit Social Services is committed to creating meaningful change within our organisation and through partnerships with First Nations organisations and communities. We support change that enhances empowerment, self-determination, and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We commit to establishing an annual action plan that outlines activity we will undertake to advance reconciliation and justice with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Executive leads the development of our annual Reconciliation and Justice Action Plan (RJAP), undertakes quarterly reviews and reports annually to our Board. This ensures our commitments are embedded in our operations—not just words, but action.

We have developed engagement principles that guide how we work with First Nations partners. These come from our experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), our organisational way of working, and our Ignatian heritage.

• Prioritise empowerment and self-determination as fundamental to reconciliation and justice
• Go where we are invited to partner or assist
• If we seek to initiate programs of work in community, we will engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the earliest opportunity, without formed solutions, and mindful of any burden consultation might impose
• Demonstrate that we are a partner of trust through our actions
• Build relationships on mutual respect with each party recognising the expertise of the other
• Actively engage lived experiences to understand local and cultural norms, strengths, needs, and aspirations
• Acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise and cultural capability
• Be transparent in respect of roles and decision making
• Ensure agreement making is informed and culturally valid
• Respect and uphold data sovereignty
• Establish and follow agreed dispute resolution principles

These principles will continue to evolve through ongoing dialogue with our First Nations partners.

Each July, we set a clear plan for the year ahead outlining the steps we’ll take to deepen our impact and strengthen our partnerships. This plan is shaped by what we’ve learned, responding to needs, and by the voices of those we walk alongside.

Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation (AAAC), Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa)

Invited to work collaboratively with the Central and Eastern Arrernte people in the community of Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa and Mparntwe /Alice Springs. This involved working alongside the Ltyentye Apurte community and establishing the Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation (AAAC) to restore community-control in the wake of Shire amalgamations and the Northern Territory Emergency Response (the Intervention)

Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, Jurnkkurakurr (Tennant Creek)

Responded to a request to provide expert advice and staff training focused on reinvigorating their Piliyintinji-ki, Stronger Families, program

Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, Mparntwe (Alice Springs)

Invited to work in partnership on a number of programs including Youth Camps and the Central Australia Men’s Behaviour Change Program

Atitjere, Engawala, and Bonja (Plenty Valley Highway communities)

Delivered the Stronger Communities for Children program, first established as a trial in Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) in partnership with AAAC

Thamarrurr Development Corporation, Wadeye (Port Keats)

Initially invited to assist the corporation to establish an improved approach to education and training by bringing together the community and education systems.

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi, Central Desert Region

Engaged us to provide assistance with induction, training and ongoing professional development and supervision for the Family Mental Health Support Service in three remote communities in Central Australia

The GAP Youth and Community Centre, Mparntwe (Alice Springs)

Provided supervision and practice expertise to staff working in the Youth Diversion program

Back on Track, Katherine

Delivered the restorative element of the Back on Track program focusing on developing young people’s understanding and awareness of the impact of their behaviour, and providing practical support for participation in restorative activities

Grassroots Action Palmerston

At the request of the founder, a local Aboriginal elder, supported the organisation through redirecting philanthropic funding and capacity building to become incorporated. We have maintained a trusted role in mentoring and supporting the founder and CEO.

Justice Reinvestment, Katherine

In consortium with Savanna Solutions (a local Aboriginal organisation) and Flinders University, Jesuit Social Services built capacity by taking on a backbone role until the Katherine Justice Reinvestment group was incorporated in late 2025.

Mparntwe (Alice Springs)

Partnering with two local, Arrernte, men to support them to become a newly incorporated ACCO, and to deliver a program (Alkupitja) that will support young men who are engaged with or at risk of contact with the justice system to connect with culture and engage with pro social activities including the delivery of camps on Country.

Parent Infant Foundation Australia (PIFA) Home Visiting Program, Western Sydney

Provided auspice for PIFA to work alongside urban Aboriginal families and young Aboriginal mothers with babies in custody.

PIFA’s work expanded to respond to local needs to incorporate:

• Group programs for young Aboriginal mothers that are delivered in partnership with the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Mt Druitt. The program aims to advance the wellbeing of children, by creating a therapeutic, caring community around their families so that social isolation is broken down and the community is strengthened
• Art Therapy program for Aboriginal women delivered from the Willmot Community Hub
• Group program for Aboriginal men delivered from the Willmot Community Hub

Mt Druitt COVID Vaccination Clinic

In partnership with Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and other community partners, facilitated a COVID vaccination clinic along with NSW Health for members of the local Aboriginal community who had been vaccine hesitant

CONNECTING 2770

CONNECTING 2770 was a series of cultural activities and events held across 2023, aiming to build meaningful and empowering connections to country, culture and community across the postcode 2770.

Barreng Moorop

In partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), developed and delivered this intensive case management program for Aboriginal Children aged 10-14 and their families. Once established, the program was transitioned to VACCA with VALS and Jesuit Social Services continuing to provide support through the programs steering committee

Navigator program

A program to support school aged children (10 to17) to overcome barriers and expand opportunities to reengage in learning pathways. Jesuit Social Services partners with VACCA to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander receive culturally-informed case management from their staff.

Victoria Police Aboriginal Diversity Recruitment Program

In partnership with Victoria Police and Victoria University delivered this 15-week program aimed at preparing candidates to navigate the Victoria Police recruitment process, and in so doing enhance the diversity of the force.

Djirra (formerly the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service)

Following a long relationship with Djirra Elders who have been providing Aboriginal Cultural safety training for our staff, we were approached by the organisation to support several new initiatives. These included, assisting them to develop a case management service, and sub-contracted delivery of both in person and telephone counselling for Aboriginal Women accessing the Koori Women’s Place

Aboriginal restorative justice pilot

Worked with the Hume and Eastern Metropolitan Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) to develop a culturally specific restorative justice response for Aboriginal young people. This project was funded under the Victorian Government’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement. Subsequently, Worawa Aboriginal College in partnership with Jesuit Social Services were funded to trial the Lotjpadhan model.