National Reconciliation Week 2024
North East Water is proud to mark National Reconciliation Week 2024 as an important step in our ongoing walk with First Nations people in our region.
We set out in 2018 by talking with our First Nations communities about ways to explore learning and partnership opportunities with Traditional Owners.
The First Nations in our region include the Registered Aboriginal Parties of Yorta Yorta Nation and the Taungurung Clans, and Duduroa Dhargal, Dhudhuroa Waywurru, Jaitmathang, Bangerang and Dalka Warra Mittung communities
In the past seven years, we’ve taken these steps:
- Developed our Reconciliation Action Plan 2020-21, Innovate Reconciliation Plan 2021-23 and Innovate II Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-26, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia
- Implemented Aboriginal recognition protocols
- Provided cultural awareness training to all staff
- Conducted cultural heritage assessments at several of our sites
- Collaborated with communities to conduct cultural burns
- Pursued targeted Aboriginal employment opportunities
- Established a program of Independent Aboriginal Delegates to liaise with North East Water’s Board, with our most recent delegate appointed by the Minister for Water as a board director
- Welcomed two Elders-in-Residence
- Participated in and hosted annual National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events
- Partnered with Murray Arts, Burraja Gallery, government agencies and corporate partners to host the North East Water First Nations Art Prize for the fifth time
- Installed flagpoles at our Regional Headquarters in Wodonga flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
We recognise we have more to do and more to learn, but we’re excited to be on this journey and to take another step towards an inclusive and just country.
Visit the official National Reconciliation Week website to find how you can be brave and take action to make change.