Newcastle Anglican launches first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan at NEX

Newy 87.8 FM – Newcastle Anglican has officially launched its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at a weekend event held at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX).

The launch was attended by Uncle Tony Ridgeway, who delivered the Welcome to Country, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison, and dozens of representatives from across the diocese.

Bishop Peter Stuart said reconciliation required the Church to acknowledge its own history and commit to a different future.

"As an Anglican bishop, I cannot launch a Reconciliation Action Plan without acknowledging that the Church was part of the colonising project in Australia," he said.

Bishop Peter said reconciliation started with listening, learning and truth-telling. "Our first task is to listen deeply. We have much to learn, and our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects that commitment," he said.

The RAP represents a shared commitment to operate in a culturally safe and appropriate manner that respects and values First Nations peoples, their cultural knowledge and lived experience.

Aunty Di encouraged Newcastle Anglican and the wider community to own Australia's history. "We want you to walk with us, not separate to us," she said.

"You have 60,000 years of history. You own it – we're sharing it with you."

During the launch, Manning Valley Anglican College teacher Todd Saunders and a Traditional Dance Crew performed for attendees.

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