Anchor is committed to supporting the national reconciliation movement and its efforts to promote equity between all peoples of Australia, and the process of solidifying the Victorian Treaty recognising all prior ownership of land and injustice experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Photo caption (L-R): Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker, Anchor Case Manager Adelaide Owen, local artist Tegan Voce, Teghan’s niece Billie, Teghan’s mother Joanne Voce, Anchor Partnership and Development Lead Lauren Gordon and Anchor Treasurer of the Board Peter Cairns.
A message from CEO Heidi Tucker
As Chief Executive Officer, it is my role and responsibility to lead the journey of reconciliation in partnership with our Board of Management, staff and volunteers. I wish to acknowledge that Anchor operates on Aboriginal land which was never ceded. I honour Aboriginal elder’s past, present and those young people who are emerging as future leaders.
Anchor accepts that it has been part of a service system for over 45 years that did not adequately recognise the harm caused to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by government and community sector policies. Additionally, Anchor recognises the current over representation of Aboriginal people in child protection and the justice system as well as those who are affected by chronic health conditions, family violence or homelessness.
The “why” is simple. Anchor joins the collective of organisations who are working to develop awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and leadership across all sectors of Australian society. We recognise that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to live with disadvantage and we must contribute to “closing the gap” in order to change the future for the people we serve.
Our Reflect RAP directs and supports our journey to reconciliation with Aboriginal people and ensures we develop all parts of the organisation to become culturally safe for people who need our services.
Our Reflect RAP will deliver outcomes that contribute toward the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity and historical acceptance.
Anchor will ensure that it sets its strategic and business objectives to support reconciliation and invests resources to realise our commitments outlined in our Reflect RAP.
Anchor is honoured to have the support of Aboriginal people who have already been part of our journey. We seek to move in partnership with organisations controlled by Aboriginal people to ensure the people we serve feel culturally safe and secure.