Reconciliation at Big Fat Smile
Big Fat Smile strives to scaffold children for success through providing quality services. We recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Land. We acknowledge the role we have in empowering future generations to connect with and be knowledgeable about Culture, Community and Country.
Our vision for reconciliation is for all Big Fat Smile employees, the children and families who access our services, and the communities we partner with to connect with reconciliation and walk with us on our organisational journey. We will strive for equitable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by laying the foundations for our future generations.
This started with our Reflect RAP, achieving the deliverables, strengthening our connections, and providing safe places for all to grow and learn. In May 2024, Big Fat Smile’s second RAP, an Innovate RAP, was published, to extend on the strong foundations that have been developed through the implementation of our Reflect RAP.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
In 2024, Big Fat Smile introduced its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Innovate RAP, building on the foundations established by our Reflect RAP.
We launched our Innovate RAP in May 2024 during a community event at Bingara Gorge Community Preschool, where Natalie L. Simmons, the artist behind the artwork 'Nganhayung Galingabang bur', was present.
We are committed and determined to continue our journey toward reconciliation in Australia. Big Fat Smile’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan provides us with the roadmap to steer and guide our organisation toward achieving the best outcomes. We have the values and motivation to support positive change.
Our Innovate RAP
About the Artwork
Title: Nganhayung Galingabang bur
Artist: Natalie L. Simmons
Medium: Acrylic on linen
Meet the Artist: Natalie L. Simmons
Natalie is a proud Wiradjuri/Wailwan woman. She is the Managing Director and Founder of DENAT Group. Her art focuses on a contemporary Indigenous form with a style passed down from her Nan and ancestors. Her artwork “Nganhayung Galingabang bur” (Wiradjuri for “Our Children”) is centred on building connections, the children of Big Fat Smile and the journey towards Reconciliation.
Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Although occurring informally for many years, we commenced our formal reconciliation journey in 2020 by committing to develop an organisational Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was published and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in December 2022.
Our Reflect RAP outlined 63 deliverables across 14 actions that served as the foundations of Big Fat Smile’s ongoing journey within the reconciliation space. We launched the Reflect RAP in February 2023 at Koonawarra Community Preschool during a community event, symbolising the importance of our children, who remain our central focus.
Additionally, all our Early Education and Care services and Fun Clubs have committed to developing their own RAPs through Narragunnawali, in alignment with our organisational vision and in collaboration with our Reconciliation Coordinator.
In July 2023, we began developing our second RAP, an Innovate RAP.
About the Artwork
Title: Ngurra (Camp)
Artist: Kane Wright
Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
Learn more

What is Reconciliation?
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

What is a RAP?
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It documents how your school or early learning service will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school/service and with the community.