The City's Innovate RAP 2023-2025 is expiring in December and we are now reflecting on our reconciliation journey and discussing what further actions are needed. The development of the City’s new RAP is expected to commence in late 2025 and should be in place in early to mid-2026.
Reconciliation is about creating and nurturing respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. It’s a journey that involves acknowledging our shared history, valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and working together for a more inclusive future. Guided by Reconciliation Australia, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) help local governments like the City of Cockburn take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. These plans focus on five key areas: race relations, equality and equity, unity, institutional integrity, and historical acceptance.
A RAP sets out practical actions to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—through inclusive programs, respectful engagement, and opportunities for participation in community life. It’s about building stronger relationships, deepening cultural understanding, and helping close the gap in life outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The City has developed four RAPs. The most recent was an Innovate RAP, which set targets for employment, engaging with Aboriginal businesses, and other actions.
Did you know?
Cockburn was the first Perth metropolitan local government to have a RAP approved by Reconciliation Australia in July 2011.
Achievements from the City's Previous RAPs
The City has made some significant achievements during its first three RAPs, including:
- Nyungar Tourist Trail
- Nyungar signage
- Use of stories in language
- Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week events
- Increase in employment of First Nations people
- Planning our Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre.
Development of the City’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026–2029
The City of Cockburn is currently developing its new
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2026–2029. This plan will provide a clear framework of actions, timelines, and reporting requirements to turn our commitment to reconciliation into measurable outcomes.
Extensive consultation with Aboriginal Elders, knowledge holders, and the wider community is now underway to review the City’s current RAP 2023-2025 and develop the City’s new RAP 2026-2029. The feedback gathered will be reviewed and inform a briefing to Council. Following this, a draft RAP will be prepared for submission to Reconciliation Australia and then Council for endorsement.
For more information about the RAP, please contact the Reconciliation Lead on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected]
For more general information about RAPs visit Reconciliation Australia.