Celebrating Country: Our ongoing commitment to reconciliation

An artwork by Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri and Yorta-Yorta artist Simone Thomson has been installed at our Gisborne Recycled Water Treatment Plant, celebrating the Wurundjeri people’s deep connection to land and water. Unveiled during NAIDOC Week, the piece features flowing water and native flora - symbols of creation, protection and care for Country. It reflects both our respect for Traditional Owners and our shared commitment to caring for the lands and waterways that sustain our communities.

NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate First Nations history, achievements and culture. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and looks ahead to a future shaped by strong, visionary young leaders - a future we’re proud to support through our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Building cultural understanding

We deliver year-round cultural learning across our workforce through Cultural Awareness Training, developed in partnership with Traditional Owners and Elders. These sessions are designed to build understanding and support respectful, practical approaches to cultural heritage and working on Country. Our Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the steps we're taking to embed this learning across Greater Western Water and strengthen relationships with First Nations peoples.

Walking together

GWW staff joined this year’s NAIDOC March in Melbourne to mark the event’s 50-year milestone, walking together in recognition of First Nations peoples and their continuing contributions. It was a moment to stand in solidarity, listen deeply and reflect on the strength and resilience of First Nations communities. Taking part in the March offered a chance to walk alongside community and reflect on our shared responsibility for reconciliation.

Strengthening community connections

Through our Thriving Communities sponsorship program, we support events that foster connection and cultural appreciation. This year, we proudly backed the Western Region NAIDOC Ball, bringing together communities from seven local government areas to celebrate local achievements and mark the end of NAIDOC Week.

Last weekend, we supported the Footscray Hockey Club’s Family Day, which featured a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and a presentation from a local Elder about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history in the area. 

Players and coaches from the Footscray Hockey Club watching a local Elder conduct a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony.

“We’ve always believed that sport brings people together,” said the club. “The Family Day is a perfect example. It’s about creating opportunities for our members and the wider community to connect, learn from each other and strengthen the bonds that make our local area such a special place to live.”

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