Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Respect

At Myli – My Community Library (Myli), we value our community’s diversity. We are committed to providing inclusive, welcoming and safe spaces for everyone who engages with us, regardless of race, culture, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age or ability. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are these lands’ first storytellers and that there is so much more we can learn from First Nations peoples and cultures.

Country and Community

Myli is privileged to operate on Country belonging to the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung, GunaiKurnai/Kurnai, and Wurundjeri peoples, who have nurtured and cared for the waters, skies and lands for many thousands of years, and continue to do so to this day. We are committed to working with these Traditional Custodians and First Nations representatives from across our communities respectfully and authentically. We acknowledge that our libraries have an important role in enabling access to resources and supports that empower and educate every member of our communities, particularly those most vulnerable.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

In November 2023, Myli chose to formalise the inclusive and culturally safe work undertaken by staff each day by commencing development of our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through Reconciliation Australia. A formal RAP provides a framework to support Myli in building strong relationships, fostering culturally safe spaces, developing collections and services, and working towards meaningful, lasting reconciliation across our communities.

RAP Working Group and Leadership

An internal RAP Working Group guides this work and is supported by Myli’s CEO, Daniel Lewis, with membership drawn from staff across each of our four shires. The group meets regularly to reflect, share ideas, and coordinate actions and initiatives that meaningfully embed First Nations knowledge and practices across Myli’s services. This includes coordinating initiatives such as the popular Great Book Swap in celebration of Indigenous Literacy Day, supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to provide books and learning resources to children living in remote communities across Australia.

Literacy, Learning, and Representation

At Myli, we’re passionate about literacy, literature, and lifelong learning. We believe every child, everywhere, deserves to be supported and encouraged to develop a love of books and reading, and to see themselves and their culture reflected in the stories they encounter. Myli Libraries are committed to creating and maintaining collections that genuinely represent and respect the rich knowledge and diverse perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Decisions about First Nations materials are guided by purposeful reflection and a clear self‑determination lens. We are dedicated to amplifying the voices of First Nations authors, illustrators, and creators and to avoiding actions that erase or distort shared histories, no matter how challenging they may be.

Partnerships, Education, and Community Connection

Australia is home to some of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth. We celebrate these Nations’ rich, vibrant histories and support the ongoing preservation of language and culture through storytelling and community connections. We deeply value the relationships we have built through partnerships with Aboriginal‑led health institutions and community projects, Koorie Education Coordinators and Support Officers, local Elders, allies, and like‑minded organisations. Our library staff also work alongside schools and Early Years services to support access to resources and information that enable educators to confidently embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the curriculum.

Regional Collaboration and Reconciliation Networks

In recent years, Myli was invited to join the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network as one of five auspice organisations working collaboratively on reconciliation and recognition actions. Members include Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health, and Myli. Together with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives, and the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, we have developed a strong reputation for facilitating meaningful reconciliation initiatives across Bass Coast. Additional partners, including West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and South Gippsland Water, support coordinated events alongside local businesses, contractors and allies, enabling greater impact while reducing the burden on local Custodians and communities.

Looking Ahead

Myli will continue to move forward proudly and purposefully towards meaningful, lasting reconciliation, guided by our future Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, organisational values, and our relationships with First Nations communities and organisations. We are committed to ongoing learning and growth as an organisation, ensuring equitable access to knowledge and resources for everyone.