Over the last two plus years, APRA AMCOS as an organisation has taken the steps towards a Reflection Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
In December 2023, Reconciliation Australia formally endorsed our Reflect RAP, which is being implemented during 2024.
Music, and those who create it, are the reason why we exist as a business.
We are stating our commitment to helping reconcile Australia by doing what we can, within our sphere of influence in the music industry, to prioritise relationships, respect and opportunities that create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
We recognise our common bond to music, song, art, culture and community and devised our Reflect RAP to ensure that we honour our commitment to reconcile with those who were here before us and who have been the original and most ancient continuous Custodians of music, community and song.
APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston spoke to staff and APRA and AMCOS Board members on what the Reflect stage means for the organisation.
"Truth telling is part of reconciliation. And, a Reconciliation Action Plan is a framework for how organisations can do this work of coming together. It’s a four-stage process: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate.
"APRA AMCOS is at the first stage: Reflect. Our Reflect RAP is a plan of action. It holds us accountable to each other. The aim of our RAP is to deliver tangible and substantive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The outcomes we are working to deliver are increased economic equity, and support for First Nations’ self-determination."
Dean acknowledged the vision and work of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) and the leadership of its Director, Leah Flanagan.
The artwork ’Notes of Time’ is meaningful to our Reflect RAP and urges us to reflect and understand how deeply sound and music are woven into the fabric of who we are, as humans and as a collective organisation.
Brought to life by Bundjalung artist Christine Slabb, the art speaks to the spirit of APRA AMCOS’ purpose and invites us to step into this connection.
Here are Christine’s words on the work:
“Whether you’re the creator or the listener, the connection we have with music is powerful, emotional and spiritual. Music connects people together, it’s a language that everyone understands. Music is a reflection of values, beliefs, experiences, and even a symbol of identity. The connection between people and music is forever.”
Our Reflect RAP states the commitments to complete by the end of 2024, which we are undertaking:
We are undertaking Reflection and will apply to move to the next stage of Innovate later in the year.
Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia in her endorsement statement, said:
“Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.”
Our Reflect RAP is available to read here and on the Reconciliation Australia website.