The Y NSW acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we come together to learn, share and grow. As the earth’s most ancient culture, we respect their historical and continuing spiritual connections to country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for they hold the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices in their hands. We believe in the power of inspired young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As we look to the future of this long-standing organisation, I am honoured to be part of the next steps toward reconciliation as laid out in our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our Reflect RAP provides the structure and vision we need to advance reconciliation through the scoping and nurturing of relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. It also explores our sphere of influence at the Y NSW; it is a call to all our leaders and people to keep this work front of mind as we build on existing relationships and seek out new connections.
Our social impact as an organisation is focused on the wellbeing, inclusion and connection of young people whom we support through a swathe of programs in 40 communities across the state. However, we acknowledge the injustices and inequalities that prevent our First Nations young people from thriving and achieving their potential in being leaders in the movement toward reconciliation. Fortunately, our activity in communities across the state places us in a unique position to connect with the First Nations peoples who live here, to understand their challenges and to celebrate their wins. It is from this foundation that we plan to build stronger and more dedicated partnerships over the next 12 months and in the years that follow.
Our values of respect and responsibility are at the heart of everything we do at the Y NSW, and so it is in the spirit of consultation and partnership that we commit to bringing our Reflect RAP to life. The RAP will provide a roadmap for future steps toward reconciliation and I am excited to see these actions and learnings play out in the year ahead.
Prue Warrilow
Interim CEO
Cooper Thompson is a young Wiradjuri artist. Born on Bidjigal Land, Cooper was raised on Gadigal and Dharawal Country. He started sketching cartoons from TV from the minute he could hold a pencil. You will always find Cooper with a pen, pencil or paint brush in his hand. Cooper is inspired to work with bright colours and likes using different techniques and tools to integrate dot painting.
With inspiration from Central and Western Australian desert land art styles, you will find most of Cooper’s art contains references to freshwater and saltwater. The reason behind this is Cooper’s family are freshwater people (Wiradjuri), but he was raised on saltwater country (across the Eora Nation). As well as a talented painter, Cooper is also interested in ceramics and sculpture.
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Download Our Reconciliation Action Plan