The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” challenges all of us to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
As the week has progressed, many RA members have been highlighting their active engagement with Indigenous communities and commitment to achieving reconciliation by working with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
BMD Group has worked to create a yarning circle at Quinns Rocks Primary School in northern Perth, close to the site of the Mitchell Freeway Extension project. A yarning circle is a harmonious and collaborative space to communicate, encouraging respectful and honest interactions.
For its official opening in 2021, representatives of BMD, Georgiou and Main Roads Western Australia gathered with students and a representative from the Whadjuk Noongar community, Steven Jacobs, to take part in a traditional Smoking Ceremony.
The space includes 12 mature grass trees, zamia palms and repurposed timber from site and will allow students and the local community to connect with each other in an enhanced environment.
Georgiou has also highlighted its close engagement with Nudge NGO Foundation who provide Georgiou projects with trainees and apprentices. Nudge specialise in Aboriginal engagement and adding value to the WA business community and are passionate about working with young people to gain meaningful and sustainable employment.
Bechtel has launched its Reconciliation Action Plan, following endorsement by Reconciliation Australia, in a formal commitment to expand access and opportunity for First Nations people across its projects and operations in Australia. Artwork by Gladstone First Nations artist Jarrod Beezley was unveiled during the launch, recognizing the foundation and growth of Bechtel’s work across the nation.
CIMIC Group has celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working within its businesses and supporting the delivery of its projects nationally, as well as its partnerships with Clontarf Foundation and CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program. Pedro Vicente, CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer said “Respect is the cornerstone of our Reconciliation Action Plans. Indigenous team members and businesses strengthen our operations, supply chain, and connection to communities where we work.”
Aurecon has worked with PwC Australia to engage in an extensive stakeholder consultation and collaboration with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities (Bininj/Mungguy) in the development of the Kakadu Tourism Master Plan (2020-2030) and Roads Strategy.
Transurban has highlighted its commitment to supporting young Aboriginal people to obtain drivers licences though its partnership with the KARI Foundation.
Venita‘s leaders have reflected on the importance to support reconciliation every day, and why reconciliation is important for everyone in this short video.