THE Family Centre at Tweed Heads South has launched what it says is a small but significant contribution towards reconciliation in Australia.

The centre’s Reconciliation Action Plan commits to building trusting relationships between the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait community to contribute to healing and well-being.

The plan lays out practical steps the centre will take to involve the Indigenous community in the leadership and decision making process of the not-for-profit centre, established in 1988 to strengthen families.

The plan was launched at a ceremony on Thursday which attracted dignitaries including local Aboriginal Elders, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Tweed Shire Councillor Barry Longland and Greens NSW Upper House MLC Jan Barham.

The plan is the result of a year of consultation with an Aboriginal Advisory Sub-Committee comprised of local Elders including Marcia Browning, Kath Elener and Family Centre employee Jim McDermott.

Centre staff have committed to meeting regularly with the sub-committee to ensure the plan is being implemented.

Family Centre executive director David Boutkan said the plan was a promise to the local Indigenous community.

“It’s a road map to providing reflection, learning and most importantly, action,” he said.

“This is not an exercise in tokenism or something the government has made us do.

“We’re not ticking boxes here.”

He said all staff were 100% behind the plan.

“We’re committed to making a real contribution to real reconciliation and we encourage others to join us,” he said.