A Message from the Chief Executive Officer

As the CEO of Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation (SA), I am proud to present our 2026–2028 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a renewed and strengthened commitment to reconciliation, grounded in reflection, accountability and purpose.

This RAP represents more than a formal strategy. It is an expression of who we are and who we strive to be. It acknowledges our past, responds to the lessons we’ve learned and sets a clear direction for how we move forward together with humility, cultural integrity and shared responsibility.

Our reconciliation journey began in 2014 with the launch of our inaugural General RAP. Guided by the core values of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities that plan laid the foundation for embedding reconciliation across our organisation.

The following year, we deepened our commitment through our first Innovate RAP in 2015, which expanded our focus and set out 19 actions to strengthen reconciliation across our services, operations and culture.

However, we acknowledge there has been a substantial gap in formally endorsed RAPs since then. While we continued to uphold reconciliation in our daily work, the absence of a formally endorsed RAP limited our ability to track progress, ensure accountability and drive consistent, organisation-wide action. Only one RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia during this period.

We have reflected deeply on this. We know now that good intentions are not enough. Reconciliation must be intentional, visible and sustained. It requires strong governance, authentic engagement and a commitment to embedding reconciliation in every aspect of our work – from our frontline services to strategic decision-making.

Our 2026–2028 RAP builds on the foundations of the past while embracing the values that will guide our future: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and importantly, Governance. This new focus on governance reflects our growing understanding that reconciliation must be supported by clear leadership, robust structures and transparent processes if it is to succeed and endure.

I want to thank our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous employees, our communities, Board of Directors, and partners who continue to guide us. Your voices and leadership are essential and remain central to everything we do.

We recommit to this work not just in words but through action. This RAP is our roadmap for a more inclusive, accountable and culturally safe organisation and one that honours the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and walks the path of reconciliation with integrity and respect.

John Tonkin
Chief Executive Officer
Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation (SA).

To view the FVLSAC (SA) Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan January 2026 – January 2028, please click here .