Reflecting on Reconciliation
Reconciliation Australia recently endorsed Westernport Water’s second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Westernport Water’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group is proud to release its Innovate RAP for the revised NAIDOC Week (8-15 November 2020) under the theme, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held around the country each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Australia’s First Nations people.
To mark this exciting milestone, Westernport Water acknowledges the contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and members of the Bunurong Land Council who give up their time to share their knowledge, culture and experience.
The RAP program offers a framework for organisations to advance reconciliation within their spheres of influence. An Innovate RAP provides Westernport Water with the key steps and actions to establish its own unique approach to reconciliation.
Through implementing an Innovate RAP, Westernport Water will strengthen reconciliation through business activities, services and programs, and further develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations through the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network.
The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network is made up of community representatives, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, Yowengarra Bun Wurrung Balug Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and four of Bass Coast’s leading organisations including Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Westernport Water.
Quotes attributed to Peter Quigley, Westernport Water Managing Director
“Achieving positive social change through our support for the national reconciliation movement is important for Westernport Water as a land and water resource manager.”
“On behalf of Westernport Water, I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and the effort that has been put in to assist the development of our Innovate RAP.”
“Over the last five years, we have worked closely with the inspiring members of our RAP Working Group and the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network to understand, educate and contribute to opportunities with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and I would like to commend all involved on their continued contribution.”
“Featured in our Innovate RAP is some wonderful art, and I’d like to acknowledge the artists’ Melissa McDevitt and Patrice Mahoney OAM for creating such wonderful and meaningful pieces.”
“Reconciliation remains a key priority for our business. While the RAP is just a document, it serves as an expression of our commitment to unite with First Nations People and give voice to the true history of the area we care for.”
Quote attributed to Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia
“On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I am delighted to see Westernport Water continue its reconciliation journey and to formally endorse its first Innovate RAP.”
“Through the development of an Innovate RAP Westernport Water continues to play an important part in a community of over 1,000 dedicated corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the RAP program since its inception in 2006.”
“RAP organisations across Australia are turning good intentions into positive actions, helping to build higher trust, lower prejudice, and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”
To learn more about the actions Westernport Water will be undertaking, or to get involved in the implementation of the RAP, please visit westernportwater.com.au
ENDS
The deadly Aboriginal Art designed above was designed by Patrice Mahoney OAM, of the Anewan, Nganaywana Nation. This art is featured in Westernport Water’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
