Orange Sky envisions an Australia where reconciliation is evident in the equitable health and social outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, what does that mean? And why is that important to us?

In the context of our work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent one fifth of Australians experiencing homelessness (ABS, 2023). A figure staggeringly disproportionate to a population of 3.4% (ABS, 2021). 

To achieve equity we need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  Now more than ever. 

Orange Sky supports people from all walks of life with clean clothes, warm showers and genuine conversations. In that, we recognise our unique role when it comes to reconciliation. Not only for the people who use our services but also our volunteers, team members, supporters and partners. In playing our part, we work to collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. 

Reconciliation Week is observed each year between 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 Referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. These moments illustrate the arch of progress. How far Australia has come and how far there still is to go. 

This week we also reflect on Orange Sky’s reconciliation work – observing our progress and committing to our future goals. In the two years since launching our ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan, we have seen progress in key areas:

  • Cultural awareness training embedded into employee onboarding
  • Providing cultural leave for First Nations team members
  • Launching 10 services in remote First Nations communities since 2022
  • Supporting employee attendance at key events including National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC 
  • Embedding meaningful Acknowledgement of Country and storytelling into meetings 
  • Encouraging robust internal and external conversations in the leadup to the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum 

But there is still more work to do. Orange Sky is committed to playing our part in improving social and health outcomes in our work, through these key three goals.

  • Develop greater opportunities to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and contractors
  • Establish specific metropolitan cultural shifts to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends
  • Reconsider our Volunteer Strategy for working with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

We encourage you to connect, respect and take action this Reconciliation Week. You could do so by attending a Reconciliation Week event, connecting with information about Australia’s shared history and fostering meaningful conversations. We walk alongside our First Nations brothers and sisters in reconciliation, now more than ever. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2023), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing homelessness, ABS Website.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Census, ABS Website.

Orange Sky Australia • 2020 • 17 Dover Street, Albion Queensland 4010 • (07) 3067 5800 • ABN/Charity ID: 85890622990 • We are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Tax Office

Orange Sky acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia. We pay our respect to Ancestors and their descendants who hold a continued cultural and spiritual connection to the land, seas and community and would like to recognise and uphold First Nations knowledge and contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to working together to create a positive future through our Reconciliation Action Plan.