HRI launches its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

The Heart Research Institute (HRI) has officially launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) - a significant milestone in the organisation’s commitment to delivering respect and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, and through collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous staff, the RAP outlines meaningful steps to strengthen relationships, promote opportunities in cultural awareness and drive positive change across the Institute’s research and engagement activities.

As a leading medical research institute, HRI values equity, diversity, and inclusivity. One of HRI’s key strategic pillars is our ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The event opened with a Welcome to Country by Michael West followed by a moving reflection from Scientific Director and CEO, Professor Andrew Coats AO.

"At the Heart Research Institute, we are committed to addressing the wounds in our nation and encouraging a more inclusive and equitable Australia,” he said. “Our Reconciliation Action Plan represents our dedication to reconciliation by recognising the impacts of Australia’s colonial history and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ voices are listened to, heard, and valued.

"We recognise our capacity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to improving health outcomes — together, we can create a more just, equitable, and reconciled Australia."

In 2023, HRI officially welcomed the Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education as a research group after a 10-year partnership.

Associate Professor Aunty Carmen Parter, Principal Researcher and Cultural Lead shared the great work that has been done to date and a desire to build upon this platform.

“HRI and the Djurali Centre have built a strong and enduring relationship, one founded on respect. To achieve meaningful progress in reconciliation, the social, physical and cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples must be interwoven into every aspect of HRI’s work - from respectful community engagement to active participation in medical research.”

The Reflect RAP marks the beginning of HRI’s formal reconciliation journey, guided by Reconciliation Australia’s national RAP framework. It focuses on building the foundations for lasting impact - deepening understanding, developing partnerships and embedding reconciliation principles into everyday practice.

To celebrate the launch, HRI hosted a special Reflect RAP Launch event at its Newtown headquarters, bringing together staff, partners, community representatives and cultural leaders.

Associate Professor Aunty Parter shared her powerful story on the importance of truth-telling and respect in reconciliation, while Kate Delaney, General Manager, RAP Program at Reconciliation Australia outlined the broader RAP framework and its transformational impact that has been delivered in organisations for over two decades.

Dr Chris Stanley, Leader of the Microvascular Research Group, reflected on his experience as part of the RAP Working Group and his personal commitment to integrating these learnings as a scientist, emphasising how being receptive to new knowledge can deliver better outcomes for all.

"As a health and research institution, completion of this RAP has enabled us to work closely with the Djurali Centre in the joint design of a plan to cement improvements in health outcomes and research opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” he said.

One of the highlights of the afternoon came from Associate Professor Uncle Boe Rambaldini and Professor Ben Freedman OAM, who delivered heartfelt speeches about the importance of partnership, listening, and shared responsibility in building a reconciled future.

Uncle Boe reflected on the enduring strength and resilience of Aboriginal people, calling reconciliation “a journey of truth, trust and unity - one we must walk together.” Professor Freedman spoke passionately about HRI’s ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities, and the need to ensure that “health equity and cultural respect are at the heart of everything we do.”

The event also featured a Yidaki performance by Isaac Bamblett and a artist reflection of the artwork and RAP cover art, by Deslyn Marsh, both from Nyumbar Education that represents unity and healing.