News article
Greater Western Water launches first Reconciliation Action Plan
18 August 2023
Greater Western Water (GWW) has proudly launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today, guiding the organisation’s important work to build strong foundations and thriving relationships with First Nations communities and Traditional Owners.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Ash Skinner performed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to open the event at Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in Wyndham Vale.
Representing an inclusive and culture-led approach to reconciliation, the Innovate RAP seeks to foster consultation and collaboration with the First Nations community, and emphasises the role that all staff have to achieve our commitments and promote reconciliation.
GWW Chair David Middleton and Managing Director Maree Lang at the RAP launch
GWW Managing Director, Maree Lang, said developing the RAP took critical self-reflection and constructive feedback from First Nations colleagues and community.
“While it’s our first RAP as Greater Western Water, it recognises where we have come from through the efforts of our previous organisations. Together we worked to understand where we were at as an organisation and what is achievable for the two years that this RAP commits us,” she said.
“Working alongside First Nations organisations is integral to achieving our goals, and this is particularly true of our work with Traditional Owners, with whom we are building not just strong relationships but healthy business partnerships.”
GWW’s Innovate RAP commitments include:
- Supporting First Nations business, suppliers and networks
- Increasing employment opportunities and internal cultural awareness
- Promoting reconciliation events and opportunities to grow our sphere of influence •
- Growing bush tucker and native vegetation regeneration projects on our sites
The beautiful artwork featured in GWW’s RAP was created by Wadawurrung artist B.J.C. The artwork was selected through The Torch, a not-for-profit that delivers an Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program, with artists receiving 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of their artworks.
Read GWW’s reconciliation commitments in our Innovate RAP Plan at gww.com.au/RAP