CentreStage Launches Reconciliation Action Plan for a More Inclusive Creative Future
- David Greenwood
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
CentreStage is proud to announce the release of its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — a formal commitment to truth-telling, relationship-building, and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across all areas of our organisation.
Based on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong, and led by creatives with First Nations heritage from the Palawa people of Lutruwita (Tasmania), CentreStage has long recognised the role of theatre in celebrating culture, challenging injustice, and giving voice to untold stories. This new RAP takes our values a step further — embedding reconciliation into the heart of how we cast, educate, lead, perform, and partner with community.
“Reconciliation is not a side project — it’s centre stage,”
says CentreStage Managing Director David Greenwood OAM.
“Every spotlight we turn on must illuminate not only talent, but truth. This plan challenges us to listen deeply, act humbly, and honour the stories that have been told on this Country for over 60,000 years.”
What’s in the Plan?
Over the next two years, CentreStage’s RAP will drive action across three pillars: Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities.
Key commitments include:
Inclusive casting processes that amplify First Nations performers and creatives
Annual scholarships and mentorship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth
Cultural awareness training for all staff, board members, and volunteers
Partnerships with local First Nations organisations, including the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Wathaurong Co-operative
Integration of Indigenous stories, languages, and perspectives across our programming and education initiatives
Cultural exchange projects with Palawa artists and storytellers from Tasmania
You’ll also begin to see visual elements around CentreStage — from Wadawurrung-named spaces and signage, to commissioned Indigenous artworks, and performances aligned with NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week.
Why It Matters
For CentreStage, reconciliation isn’t just about representation — it’s about responsibility. As a major contributor to Victoria’s creative landscape and the largest amateur musical theatre company in the country, we believe we have a role to play in shifting how stories are shared, stages are built, and futures are shaped.
This RAP ensures we’re not just saying the right things — we’re doing the right things, with community guidance and cultural authority. Importantly, our progress will be monitored, publicly reported, and shaped by feedback from our First Nations stakeholders.
Get Involved
We invite our performers, educators, audiences, and supporters to walk this journey with us.
📖 You can read the full Reconciliation Action Plan
Together, we can help ensure that First Nations knowledge, art, and leadership are not only recognised — but celebrated, resourced, and centre stage.
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