As One Framework Actions and Deliverables

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s focus is on actionable and measurable outcomes. We aim to strengthen the powerful relationships and partnerships we already have with First Nations Peoples and organisations, our members, clubs, and staff. Additionally, we are committed to forging new connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Queensland. Our goals are to:

  • Promote membership and participation in our clubs and movement.
  • Enhance the capabilities of our communities by fostering the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our organisation.
  • Foster culturally competent and engaged members, strengthening clubs, branches, and Surf Life Saving Queensland as a unified movement.

Existing Partnerships and activities have already been undertaken through our organisational practice, branch activities and club initiatives and include:

  • Staff and volunteer education and cultural awareness training assets in relation to Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
  • Inaugural Indigenous Round, Fastest on Sand, beach event which saw 133 athletes from 5 major community groups, Surf Life Saving Clubs and individuals as well as families, community members, Surf Life Saving volunteers, officials and staff come together for a day of friendship, competition, as well as celebrating and sharing of culture.
  • Endorsement, support, funding and resourcing of ‘Raising of the Flags,’ where clubs and branches were Welcomed onto Country for the start of season 24/25 by Traditional Owners and the iconic red and yellow flags of Surf Life Saving raised with the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flag for the commencement of our patrol season.
  • Recognition and Acknowledgement of the Traditional Country on which we patrol with signage at clubs and patrol huts
  • Incorporation of First Nations artwork into uniforms and club apparel
  • Partnerships with First Nations led organisations for community education programs
  • Partnerships with First Nations led organisations for education service delivery and award acquisition, leading to club membership and pathways including bronze medallion and first aid training and qualifications
  • Adoption of Acknowledgement of Country at commencement of major events such as meetings, conferences and sport
  • Research into First Nations Countries on which we operate and deliver our Life Saving services throughout Queensland

As part of the As One program deliverable, SLSQs RAP is being developed for submission and endorsement to Reconciliation Australia.  Once endorsement has been received, the full RAP will be uploaded to this page and the education and consultative process will commence (estimated January 2025).  Some of these initiatives will include:

 

Deliverables

  • Development of a communications strategy with supporting assets to share our commitment to reconciliation to members, staff and the communities we serve
  • Map out Traditional Owners or Custodians of the lands and waters within our organisation’s operational area.
    We acknowledge the complexity and fluidity of custodianship and traditional boundaries among Aboriginal people. It must be noted that there is no single source of truth regarding Custodianship and traditional boundaries of Australian Aboriginal people – it is an ever-evolving landscape. The dynamic nature of cultural and territorial understandings emphasises the importance of continuous learning and consultation with Aboriginal communities which is part of our reconciliation journey
  • Consultation, drafting and development of SLSQ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
  • Final submission and endorsement of SLSQ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
  • We will build on existing relationships and identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and organisations within the Country, beaches and oceans that our offices and clubs operate on and deliver our Lifesaving Services. We will do this by:
    - Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners and Custodians:
    - Welcome to Country for start of the season, sporting events and conferences
    - Raising of the Flags – red and yellow, Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands – together, at start of season, to acknowledge the custodianship of the beaches, seas and waterways where we operate.
    - Acknowledgement signage to recognise Traditional Owners and help inform visitors, community and members on whose Country we operate
    - Incorporation of cultural and traditional artworks to foster a sense of identity and belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • ‘RAP the Coast’ to connect with Traditional Owners, regional offices, branches and clubs across the 6 Queensland Branches at forums to discuss community needs and collaborate on initiatives and actions to be delivered and developed with our branches, clubs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Development of case and delivery model for Indigenous Rounds of open and community sporting events to extend throughout Queensland
  • Development of case and delivery model for open and community sports clinics to improves accessibility, foster athlete development and encourage participation and membership
  • Extending existing relationships to further develop opportunities, programs and membership pathways– including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and organisations, Clontarf, Harbrow Mentoring, PCYC and Community Groups
  • Education assets on Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country and understanding of cultural safety through training and member communications
  • Develop case for cultural capacity building through cultural awareness programs delivered on our educational platform across junior and active memberships and as part of ongoing professional development.
  • Identify and scope suitable cultural education modules for adoption and adaption
  • Implementation of Cultural Awareness Training modules
  • Develop Case for Indigenous Employment pathways and cadetship programs within SLSQ