First Nations

Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to a culture of learning, listening and doing. We acknowledge that our nation’s story began more than 65,000 years ago, and First Nations People are the foundation of this story.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following content may contain images and voices of people who have died.

First Nations is used in reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of
Australia in respect to our preferred traditional nation names and/or language groups.

Acknowledgement of First Nations People

Anglicare acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians and recognises their culture, history, diversity and deep connection to the land, waters and skies. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which our service was founded and on which our sites operate today.

We pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders both past and present, who have influenced and supported Anglicare on its journey. We extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, clients and partners and we hope we can work together to build a service that values and respects our First Nations people.

We acknowledge the past and present injustices that First Nations people have endured and seek to understand and reconcile these histories as foundational to moving forward together in unity. Anglicare is committed to being more culturally responsive and inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we are committed to embedding cultural capabilities across all facets of our organisation.

Official Partner

Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland are proud to be official partners of From the Heart.

From The Heart stems from the 2017 National Constitutional Convention where the Uluru Statement From the Heart was signed by more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates.

Read the full news story here and learn more about the Voice to Parliament on the From the Heart website by clicking here.

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Local community engagement

Anglicare works with a number of local community groups across Queensland and in conjunction with our Mental Health and Wellbeing team, we’ve partnered with the Sunshine Coast Bunyas Rugby League club.

The Sunshine Coast Bunyas are an indigenous rugby club that prides itself on enriching community through culture, leadership and connecting families.

Brad Beetson, Club President and son of the Queensland Rugby League Great Artie Beetson, says that “Rugby League is a great vehicle for supporting mental health and bringing our community together.

Culturally significant days

Plan an event at your site this year to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance. It’s a great way to gain understanding of and to build relationships with the local First Nations people.

View the calendar

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

Anglicare is part of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland Reconciliation Action Plan. The Anglican Church Southern Queensland RAP Working Group consists of First Nations staff and non-Indigenous staff and has representation from across the diocesan commissions including Anglicare.

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Cultural Support Workers

Supporting foster and kinship care children

Our cultural support workers play a vital role and are committed in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are in our out-of-home care keep connected to their family, kin, community and culture.

Cultural support workers support non-Indigenous foster carers and staff to better understand the needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in care and to respond in a holistic way that considers family, spiritual, community and individual needs.

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Want to know more about how we’re supporting First Nations People, have some suggestions for us, or want to get involved? Send us a message and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.

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