How We Work

Reconciliation Victoria works at both the local community and state levels, supporting an independent network of local reconciliation groups around Victoria and working with the Victorian Government and state peak bodies on policy and systemic change.

Working with local communities

At the community level, we foster local reconciliation activities with our state-wide network of local groups. Together we aim to connect local governments, schools, local Aboriginal communities and non-Aboriginal groups with each other, to build relationships and respect, and create opportunities and networks for learning and action, whether people live in a small rural community, a regional centre, or metro Melbourne. We also provide resources to support this knowledge-sharing, such as those on this website and in our e-News.

Influencing at the state level

Our grassroots community engagement work across Victoria gives us the credibility to influence policy at the state level, which is another key priority. We are heartened by the Victorian Governments’ use of the language of self-determination and commitment to Treaty, and look forward to supporting the realisation of these approaches. Reconciliation Victoria’s work focuses primarily on the 97% of Victorians who are not Aboriginal, as it is non-Aboriginal people who need to take responsibility for driving reconciliation. 

The word 'reconciliation'

We recognise that the word ‘reconciliation’ can be problematic, given the nature of the initial relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Australia, and the widely varied interpretation and use of the term by Governments, businesses and others. Please see Reconciliation Victoria’s definition of ‘reconciliation’ here.

Our Guiding Principles - informing how we work

- We acknowledge that power, privilege and racism shapes relationships

- We develop just, respectful and meaningful relationships with and between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Victorians

- We ensure that the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to self-determination is at the forefront, always guiding our work

- We work with integrity and hold ourselves and others to account