PERTH ZOO S RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013
PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013 introduction At Perth Zoo we recognise, appreciate and respect the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in enriching Australia s culture, through their rich and unique culture and traditions. We recognise that Australia s Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first care takers of our native fauna and their habitats, and that there is a great deal of knowledge we can learn from their cultures traditions and understandings of our environments. At Perth Zoo we want to strengthen existing and establish new relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that will help us to discover new ways of working together that benefit our community and our nation s natural heritage.
2011 2013 PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN our vision for reconciliation Our vision for reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Western Australians includes a better future for our state and our nation as a whole. A future, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to fulfill their cultural, personal and professional needs and aspirations, participate fully and share equally in the benefits of our state and our nation. Perth Zoo recognises that by valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, heritage, cultures and knowledge, we facilitate reconciliation within our organisation, which will extend to our visitors and the Perth and other communities that we are a part of.
PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013 our business Perth Zoo is located in South Perth a short ferry ride across the Swan River from the Perth central business district. Established in 1898, Perth Zoo is open to the community every day of the year. Over time the Zoo has evolved to become an important conservation agency working in partnership with other agencies to conserve local Western Australian, regional and global species in sustainable populations. Zoos have an important role in creating community awareness and understanding of the natural world, the threatening processes and the actions that people can take to assist conservation efforts. Perth Zoo works with other zoos and conservation agencies in collaborative research, breed for release, conservation medicine and education programs. Perth Zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to encounter the natural world and to become involved in conservation action. Our vision, which inspires and directs our work, is to secure long term populations of species in natural environments while engaging the community in global conservation action. Perth Zoo, with over 600,000 visitors a year and a setting rich in Australian plants and animals, is uniquely placed to provide opportunities to promote better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture, heritage and knowledge. Our agency employs approximately 220 staff in a mix of full time and part time positions.
2011 2013 PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN our reconciliation action plan (rap) Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a key element of Perth Zoo s approach and commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Perth Zoo RAP was developed by a working group of senior staff from the following sections, Human Resources, Visitor Services, Business, the Zoo Shop, Australian Animals Keepers section, Discovery and Learning, Horticulture and was overseen by the Corporate. Two cadets, Michael Dann and Stacey Maxted, were with us the whole way providing advice, input and assisting with the drafting of the RAP which provided valuable experience in policy writing as they prepared to embark on their own professional careers. Since the formation of the RAP working group in March 2010 the individual members spent time consulting with their respective teams within the agency and developing ideas for what could be included in the RAP. A workshop followed to scope out the draft plan which then went through a consultation process with the Western Australia Department of Indigenous Affairs, as an agent for Reconciliation Australia s Reconciliation Action Plan Program, and then endorsement by Reconciliation Australia. Perth Zoo has continued to progress initiatives, activities and projects during this consultation period.
PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013 our reconciliation action plan (rap) While the Corporate Executive as a whole will assist with driving the implementation of the RAP, the will chair meetings of the RAP Working Group to ensure the recommendations are achieved and coordinate reporting requirements. The has worked with local Aboriginal people to review aspects of the RAP and gain advice on who to contact for assistance in implementing actions and the correct use of local Aboriginal names for animals at Perth Zoo. The aims of our Reconciliation Action Plan are: To raise awareness amongst our staff and visitors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culture, heritage, knowledge and achievements as they relate to our business To employ and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are keen to learn and understand the Zoo s role in conservation The Perth Zoo s is responsible for assisting the RAP Working Group to oversee the implementation of the RAP. Perth Zoo s achievements in the implementation of the RAP will be reported on a six monthly basis, in January and and 2013, to the Corporate Executive Group. An annual progress report on RAP actions will be published on the Perth Zoo and Reconciliation Australia websites
2011 2013 PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 1. Relationships: Successful consultation & engagement between Perth Zoo, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the general public is essential in promoting & achieving reconciliation. It also helps inform and guide our work at the Zoo. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET Focus: Monitoring the implementation of this Reconciliation Action Plan 1. Perth Zoo supports the implementation of the RAP. Focus: Indigenous participation and access by schools and communities Chief Executive Quarterly RAP Working Group meetings to review progress RAP Working Group includes both Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander staff and other staff 2. Engage with schools with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and deliver Perth Zoo education programs. List of target schools produced Zoo education programs presented to target schools 3. Deliver education program in situ in communities that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. List of target communities produced Education campaign/s developed At least 1 education campaign delivered in a target community 4. Create and maintain a database of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contacts/networking for a range of Zoo business. January 2011 Database listed on the Perth Zoo intranet for use by Discovery & Learning, Events and Functions, 7
PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013 2. Respect: Perth Zoo acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia. Our objective is to ensure that Perth Zoo is a welcoming and positive environment for all staff and customers. Demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will help us to achieve this objective. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET Focus: Cultural Recognition, Awareness & Education 1. Deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training for all staff and Docent volunteers. Corporate Cultural awareness training programs delivered to all staff Cultural awareness incorporated into induction program. 2. Celebrate/commemorate significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events, such as NAIDOC, National Reconciliation Week, 13 Feb National Apology Day and Sorry Day Corporate Incorporate information about events into annual staff calendar, Promote events via email alert, staff newsletter and News Paws. Promote events through displays as appropriate. 3. Implement protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country at formal Zoo events Chief Executive Officer July 2011 Protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country developed Protocols used at all Perth Zoo formal events. 4. Promote the use of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols for external booked events at Perth Zoo. Corporate November 2011 Information on booking includes (1) protocols and (2) information on how to engage a Traditional Owner 8
2011 2013 PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET 5. Fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. July 2011 Flags continue to be displayed at Zoo entrance 6. Integrate interpretation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, culture and country as it applies to the Zoo s existing interpretation of animals, plants and the natural world. Commence in 2011-2012 expecting completion within 5 years. Interpretation of Australian plants and animals in signage and publications updated Use Aboriginal and Torres strait island story-telling, dance and song in interpretation as appropriate 7. Engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and artists. Corporate Proposal for an Artist in residence program considered by Corporate Executive 8. Implement policy for promotion and sale of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and products. Corporate March 2012 March 2013 Policy developed Effectiveness of policy examined 9. Promote successful RAP initiatives both internally and to broader community. July 2011 RAP launched and placed on Zoo website July 2013 At least 1 story published annually in Perth or Western Australia media At least one story published annually in Reconciliation Australia s magazine Reconciliation News 9
PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 2011 2013 3. Opportunities: Perth Zoo recognises the important contribution that all people can bring to our organisation through cultural knowledge, networks and skills. Perth Zoo will facilitate improved employment outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, skill development, retention & advancement within our organisation. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET Focus: Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees working in all areas and levels of Perth Zoo. 1. Develop an Indigenous recruitment and retention strategy. Corporate Strategy developed and endorsed by Corpex 2011 Objective of 2% representation met Implementation of strategy 2. Offer National Indigenous Cadetship Program (ICS) places in 2011 and in future years. Chief Executive Officer At least one cadetship place filled annually Work collaboratively with WA Tourism in the marketing and attraction of cadets. Partnership with WA Tourism established Exit survey to be completed by cadets 3. Investigate and report on special programs offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, such as the youth at risk program at Taronga Conservation Society Australia and at Zoos South Australia. Program trialed by 4. Investigate opportunity for Interagency Indigenous Secondment Program for appropriate opportunities within Perth Zoo. Investigate any similar programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff already in place at other agencies, eg Department of Environment and Conservation, Kings Park and the public sector in general. Corporate June 2012 Seek interest for participants from the Small Agency Network Proposal/report submitted to Corporate Executive established Programs reported to Corporate Executive 10
2011 2013 PERTH ZOO RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN 4. Relationships: Successful consultation & engagement between Perth Zoo, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the general public is essential in promoting & achieving reconciliation. It also helps inform and guide our work at the Zoo. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET 1. Internal monitoring of RAP implementation. RAP Working Group (supported by ) January and July 2012, 2013 Two six-month reports submitted to Corporate Executive Details or RAP included in the Zoo Annual report 2. Produce annual progress RAP Report. RAP Working Group July 2013 RAP Report published on the Perth Zoo website and Reconciliation Australia website 3. RAP refreshed, drawing on important learning identified in the annual RAP Report. RAP Working Group August 2012 August 2013 Refreshed RAP published on the Perth Zoo website and Reconciliation Australia website 11
Perth Zoo Open 7 days 9 am 5 pm 20 Labouchere Rd South Perth WA 6151 24-hour infoline: (08) 9474 3551 Telephone: (08) 9474 0444 (Monday Friday) perthzoo.com.au SNAPSHOTS By Narelle Henry Featured on pages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12 This artwork is a series of simple personal experiences seen as snapshots throughout the years. In my life, I have endeavoured to learn and draw strength from thousands of years of culture and heritage. In the teachings of my grandparents, to the simple surrounds of the desert and waiting for our feed to cook, the images have been photographed in my mind and as I burn them into wood, my hope is they will forever be seared in my memory. I don t know as much I would like about the heartbeat, or the pulse, that is my Aboriginality but it is a powerful movement all the same. And, it emerges and overwhelms the surface of who I am, where I have come from and where I want to be. It presents itself in dreams, in people and inevitably it is represented, honoured and remembered through art. This paper is 100% recycled.