The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has launched its new Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking an important milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and action. 

Members of the NSWNMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Circle, staff, and guests including David Harris, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, gathered to celebrate the launch and reflect on the journey ahead.  

Keith Wicks, a NSWNMA staff member and proud Walbunja and Yorta Yorta man, welcomed attendees and emceed the event.  A powerful performance from Aboriginal Incursions highlighted the culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Speaking at the launch, NSWNMA General Secretary Michael Whaites described reconciliation as “a journey” that requires “courage, honesty, humility, and accountability.” He emphasised that reconciliation is more than a document; it is about understanding our shared history, listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and taking action for a more just and equitable future. 

“Good intentions alone are not enough. Real reconciliation requires accountability.” 

As the Association embarks on the next chapter of reconciliation, the launch served as both a celebration and a call to action. At its centre, the new RAP is a commitment to truth-telling, listening, learning, and action. 

Members in attendance welcomed the launch and the Association’s commitment to reconciliation. 

“It will show our members that we’re actually looking at trying to have a voice. We’re looking at trying to make sure that we have equality across every area, and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are represented within a really strong organisation like the NSWNMA,” said Dianne Lang. 

For Mathew Grant, President of the NSWNMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member circle, the launch was “not simply a tokenistic gesture”, it reflected a genuine commitment to reconciliation. 

“It’s something that matters to us as an organisation, it matters to us as a Council, and it matters to everybody.”