Lifestyle Solutions releases its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
14 October 2026
News and Media
Lifestyle Solutions, part of Independence Australia, is proud to release its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), outlining the organisation’s commitments to support reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the next two years.
The 2026 to 2028 Innovate RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, turns intent into commitment and measurable action. The RAP program’s emphasis on relationships, respect and opportunities provides a framework to foster connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples rooted in mutual collaboration and trust.
The RAP is inspired by the concept of ‘dadirri’, a quiet, still awareness and deep listening described by Miriam Rose from Daly River, the first qualified Aboriginal teacher and Australian Senior of the Year in 2021. It is about listening, waiting, and then acting. This way of deep listening has been passed down for over 40,000 years and has guided us in the development of our RAP. It will also guide how we bring it to life.
Mark Branson, Chief Operating Officer of Child and Family Services at Lifestyle Solutions, said the RAP reflects the organisation’s ongoing and genuine commitment to reconciliation.
“We are ready to put our RAP into action, acknowledging there is still much more to do,” Mr Branson said. “Together, we are building a reconciled Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect, and are equal partners in shaping the future.”
Mr Branson said a significant proportion of the children and young people in Lifestyle Solutions’ care identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, making the RAP deeply connected to the organisation’s everyday work.
“Every day, across our teams, we see the importance of keeping children connected to culture, community and mob,” Mr Branson said. “We see the difference it makes when children grow up strong in their identity. Our RAP commits us to putting that understanding into practice in everything we do.”
Kate Menzel, Chief Experience Officer at Lifestyle Solutions, said the RAP would strengthen cultural safety across the organisation.
“This is a shared journey, and every staff member has a role to play,” Ms Menzel said. “We are committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, deep listening, truth-telling and learning from one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world.”
Our RAP was shaped through consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members, partners and community members, whose knowledge, experiences and insights helped inform its commitments to reconciliation. It commits Lifestyle Solutions to strengthening cultural safety across the organisation, elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and building respectful partnerships. It acknowledges the enduring impacts of colonisation, dispossession and intergenerational trauma, particularly in the areas of out-of-home care, justice and health.
“We are committed to addressing these inequities with honesty, integrity, authenticity, empathy and action,” Mr Branson said.
The full Reconciliation Action Plan is available to read here.
About Lifestyle Solutions
Lifestyle Solutions is an Australia-wide provider of disability supports and out-of-home care services. Lifestyle Solutions is part of Independence Australia.