St George Community Housing (SGCH) marked National Reconciliation Week by going “ALL IN”. We supported customer-led initiatives and gave staff dedicated time to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and perspectives.
This year’s theme, ALL IN, calls on Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day – encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to step off the sidelines and take meaningful action.
Todd Phillips, SGCH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead, said the need for action is clear.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are significantly overrepresented among those experiencing housing insecurity, and that is not by accident,” Todd said.
“It is the legacy of dispossession. An organisation like SGCH has both the responsibility and the opportunity to be part of changing that, and reconciliation gives us the framework to do it meaningfully.”
Turning commitment into action
In 2025, SGCH completed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and is now progressing toward its second – an Innovate RAP.
“Our first RAP was about laying the groundwork,” Todd said.
“Our Innovate RAP is where the real work begins – turning commitments into action and deepening partnerships, strengthening cultural capability and embedding reconciliation in how we operate every day.”
The ALL IN theme also reinforces that advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a shared responsibility.
With offices in Redfern – the historic heart of Aboriginal activism – and with many customers and colleagues identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, SGCH is committed to creating opportunities for its people to learn, reflect and engage with First Nations perspectives.
Centring First Nations voices and experiences
As part of this year’s program, 90 of SGCH’s 270 team members participated in a Tribal Warrior Virtual Reality Experience, immersing themselves in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and histories.
The experience had a powerful impact across the organisation.
“It made me quite emotional learning about Bennelong, particularly the loss of identity and sense of belonging that he experienced after being removed,” said Megan, Tenancy Lead. “It was a powerful perspective on the long-lasting impacts of displacement.”
For many, the experience reinforced that reconciliation requires active participation and a willingness to step outside comfort zones.
“We need to challenge ourselves to deepen our understanding, rather than waiting for it to come to us,” said Natalie, Income Management Lead. “That’s where meaningful growth happens – and where we can truly improve how we show up and support our communities.”
A shared path forward
National Reconciliation Week is a reminder that reconciliation is not a moment in time, but an ongoing journey.
At SGCH, going “all in” means continuing to listen, learn and act – working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to help create a more inclusive and equitable housing system for all.