Reconciliation and Cultural Commitments

Through all Company activities – from our productions to off-stage initiatives – MTC strives to ensure a vibrant and inclusive theatre sector.

In all that we do, MTC acknowledges the Yalukit Willam Peoples of the Boon Wurrung, the First Peoples of Country on which Southbank Theatre and MTC HQ stand. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future.

Reconciliation

MTC is in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Our RAP will turn intentions into action by identifying strategies, timelines and measurable targets for building relationships, respect and opportunities.

To date, development of our RAP has involved establishing a RAP Working Group, engaging First Peoples stakeholders and partners on this journey and submitting a Reflect RAP to Reconciliation Australia for feedback.

Work is now underway to incorporate the feedback provided from Reconciliation Australia in order to resubmit the RAP for ratification and then publication. In their feedback, Reconciliation Australia has indicated that MTC is well placed to progress to an Innovate RAP following ratification of the Reflect RAP. 

At the beginning of this process, advice and permission was sought from N’arweet Carolyn Briggs, Senior Boon Wurrung Elder and Traditional Owner, Boon Wurrung Foundation. Consultation was also provided by Caroline Martin, Boon Wurrung Custodian and Managing Director of Yalukit Marnang.

Providing a respectful and supportive environment for all

MTC is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for its employees and audiences.

We embrace inclusion in the workplace and amongst the broader community. We value all the ways in which people differ, and the valuable contribution that all of these differences bring to the Company and society. 

Employment

MTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For all positions advertised at MTC, the Company encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disabilities. It is our policy to consider reasonable adjustments for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Access Services

MTC has a range of access services available for audience members with particular needs including audio description, captioned performances and, where possible, tactile tours. In late 2021, MTC will present its first Relaxed Performance of an MTC production at Southbank Theatre. These services help ensure the broadest possible audience is able to enjoy MTC’s work.

Consultants

MTC engages with consultants where particular expertise is required to uphold a respectful, safe and supportive environment for all.

This includes working with Intimacy Coordinators, Fight Choreographers, Cultural Consultants, Voice Coaches as well as allied health professionals.

Off-stage MTC also works with cultural consultants in relation to company activities and for staff training sessions.

Cultural Representation

As outlined in MTC’s key values, the Company is committed to honouring and reflecting the diversity of our society through the stories we tell and the artists who tell them.

This is evident in our artist development programs such as NEXT STAGE Writers Program, Cybec Electric and the First Peoples Young Artists Program as well as the shift in stories and representation on our stages in recent years.

MTC is in the process of formalising our approach to this commitment in order to better recognise work already underway and progress still to be made.

We acknowledge that there will always be work to do and MTC is steadfast in its resolve to evolve and grow as we seek to better reflect the world around us and the multiculturalism of Melbourne.