Major holiday park operator commits to Reconciliation Action Plan for guest and community gain

Jarred Cross Published July 28, 2023 at 7.30am (AWST)

nsw

The scenery available with stays at Reflections Holiday Parks, who launched their Reconciliation Action Plan on July 27, site at Jimmy's Beach, Worimi Country. (Image supplied)

Holidaying families and fresh air-seekers are set to gain a more authentic experience of Country and culture across New South Wales with Reflections Holiday Parks launching their first Reconciliation Action Plan on Thursday.

The company operates 36 parks across 12 Aboriginal Nations around the state, taking a further step in blending their guest's breaks away with cultural experience.

Reflections cares for 43 nature reserves in addition to their parks and already implements acknowledgements of country and First Peoples in elements of their facilities.

They cater for more than 2 million holiday-goers annually, and reinvest all profits back into the land they care for as Australia's only holiday group certified as a social enterprise.

During NAIDOC Week, local elders from around their facility in Urunga, on Gumbaynggirr, brought dance and songs sung in-language to guests with storytelling and cultural activities.

Their Aboriginal Engagement Officer and Githabul and Bundjalung woman Cheryl Newton says consultation with local Indigenous people will play a major park in initiatives going forward.

Ms Newton told National Indigenous Times the company is building towards beginning or strengthening already existing relationships between park managers and the communities around them.

Reflections Holiday Parks Aboriginal Engagement Officer Cheryl Newton. (Image: supplied)

These conversations involve Aboriginal organisations, Land Councils and Native Title holders with opportunity for partnership.

Ms Newton said providing authentic experiences in a crucial ingredient.

Reflections' RAP Sponsor and Executive Manager Corporate Communication Lauren Eyles said their latest move was an organisation-wide journey and public commitment.

This includes cultural training for staff.

At a wider scope, Ms Newton manages similar operations in a pilot program between Reflections and the NSW Government's Crown Lands.

"Our cultures are rich and deep with Aboriginal histories as is our land, and The Dreaming set out the structures of how we care for the land," Ms Newton said.

"Today we still go by these structures. We still, and always will, nurture this land."

Reflections launched their RAP commitment on Awabakal Country on July 27.