I am proud to let you know that W+K launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan last week.

This RAP reflects our commitment to transformation and shows how we intend to stand with our First Nations people to build a better future for everyone. It outlines a pathway for having a positive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by improving access to the legal system, being culturally aware as lawyers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ needs, and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ employment initiatives and enterprises to maximise business opportunities.

As we embark on our reconciliation journey with our first Reconciliation Action Plan, we want to see a fair and proper mechanism in place for giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a rightful say in decisions that affect them.

For the last 10 years, through our Community Footprint program, we have used our expertise to create a fairer and more inclusive society through our pro bono legal work and our community partnerships. A critical part of our contribution is reducing the inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It’s wonderful to now have a RAP that defines our strategic and operational goals and is supported by our people to achieve meaningful reconciliation outcomes.

Our RAP was formed after an extensive consultation process with contributors including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, the firm’s RAP Working Group Executive Sponsor Naraya Lamart and the firm’s 20-member RAP Working Group.

It also features “Moving Forward”, a painting by Yorta Yorta/Gunditjmara woman Melissa Bell. The artwork represents coming together as one. The artwork has been licensed through The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations artists currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons. We are extremely proud to have Melissa’s beautiful artwork “Moving Forward” as part of our RAP. It is now pride of place in our head office in Sydney.

You can download our RAP directly below.