Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - Oct 2020 - Sep 2021 - North East Water
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Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Oct 2020 – Sep 2021
Acknowledgement of Country North East Water respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate and pay our respect to their Elders past and present. ISSN: 1838-1383 Copyright information © State of Victoria, North East Water 2020. This document is available from newater.com.au Printed on 100% recycled stock. Cover artwork Dhumamungee (detail) Karin McMillian 2017
Contents
01 A message from
the Chair and
Managing Director
02 A message from
Reconciliation
Australia
03 About
North East Water
04 Our Reconciliation
Action Plan
05 Our Partnerships
and Current Activities
06 Relationships
09 Respect
12 Opportunities
14 Governance
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
Introduction
A message from
the Chair and
Managing Director
Our journey towards this Reconciliation Action Plan We participated in cultural events, undertook cultural
began with eight simple words shared from our guide, awareness training and actively pursued targeted
Damien Bell. Aboriginal employment opportunities. We recognised
that understanding the Traditional Owners’ relationship
“You should get to know your local Elders.”
with land and – in particular for us – water, was going to
The executive team were visiting the cultural heritage be a journey.
site at Lake Condah, located within the Country of the
Our Reconciliation Action Plan is the next step in that
Gunditjmara people. The site includes Aboriginal fish
journey. We recognise that we still have a lot to learn,
traps dating over 6,600 years as well as the remains
and that our plan is not one of compliance but of
of a settled lifestyle, including stone dwellings. Damien
establishing genuine, authentic relationships with
mentioned getting to know our local Elders almost in
our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
passing, but it resonated. We should get to know them.
We would like to thank our people for their genuine
We reached out to our local Aboriginal communities
support and enthusiasm, and for all those members of the
and we were delighted by how much they were willing
Aboriginal communities who have already helped us along
to share. We established a working party, and developed
the way. We look forward to working with our communities
our foundation document in the form of an Aboriginal
in celebrating and protecting the ongoing spiritual and
Recognition Plan (2018-22). We began to get to know
cultural connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
our local Elders, and we’d like to especially thank and
peoples to the surrounding lands and waters.
acknowledge Uncle Allan Murray for his generosity.
Cath Botta
Chair
Craig Heiner
Managing Director
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
01
Introduction
A message from
Reconciliation
Australia
Reconciliation Australia welcomes North East Water This Reflect RAP enables North East Water
to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with to deepen its understanding of its sphere
the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. of influence and the unique contribution it can
make to lead progress across the five dimensions.
North East Water joins a network of more than
Getting these first steps right will ensure the
1,100 corporate, government, and not-for-profit
sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation
organisations that have made a formal commitment
initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward
to reconciliation through the RAP program.
Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework
Congratulations North East Water, welcome to the
for organisations to leverage their structures and
RAP program, and I look forward to following your
diverse spheres of influence to support the national
reconciliation journey in the years to come.
reconciliation movement. The program’s potential
for impact is greater than ever, with over 2.3 million
people now working or studying in an organisation
with a RAP.
The four RAP types — Reflect, Innovate, Stretch
and Elevate — allow RAP partners to continuously
develop and strengthen reconciliation commitments
in new ways. This Reflect RAP will lay the
foundations, priming the workplace for future
RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.
The RAP program’s strength is its framework of
relationships, respect, and opportunities, allowing
an organisation to strategically set its reconciliation
commitments in line with its own business
objectives, for the most effective outcomes.
These outcomes contribute towards the five Karen Mundine
dimensions of reconciliation: race relations; Chief Executive Officer
equality and equity; institutional integrity; Reconciliation Australia
unity; and historical acceptance.
It is critical to not only uphold all five dimensions
of reconciliation, but also increase awareness
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
histories, knowledge, and leadership across all
sectors of Australian society.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
02
About us
About
North East Water
North East Water’s strategic North East Water’s statutory functions, powers
and duties are constituted under the Water Act
intent is to support the health 1989 and include the collection, storage, treatment
and prosperity of our region and delivery of water, the collection and treatment
of sewage and trade waste, and water recycling.
by providing sustainable water North East Water provides services to an estimated
solutions to our customers population of 110,000 people in north-east Victoria.
Bound by Corryong, Yarrawonga, Benalla and
and communities. Dartmouth, the region covers 39 towns across
approximately 20,000 square kilometres, with
customers ranging from 16,000 connections in
Wodonga to just 38 in St James.
Servicing our customers requires 195 staff to run the
21 primary water treatment plants and 22 wastewater
treatment facilities spread throughout the region, with
our regional headquarters located in Wodonga. North
East Water employs one staff member who identifies
as Aboriginal, as well as an Aboriginal Independent
Member of the Board.
There are nine Aboriginal communities in our service
region, including the three Registered Aboriginal
Parties of Yorta Yorta Nation, the Taungurung Clans and
Gunaikurnai Aboriginal Corporation. Also represented
in our service region are the Dhudhuroa, Waveroo,
Yaitmathang, Bangerang, Dhudhuroa-Waveroo and
Wiradjuri communities.
We look forward to exploring opportunities to work
in partnership with Traditional Owners to deliver
shared benefits and incorporate traditional ecological
knowledge in water planning.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
03Our Plan
Our Reconciliation
Action Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a public commitment to
the national reconciliation movement and an acknowledgement
of our intent to build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities.
In accordance with our strategic ambition of regional prosperity for all communities,
and aligned with our values of inclusion and diversity, we are committed
to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and
acknowledging their cultural values and ongoing connection to Country
and water.
In order to achieve that, we recognise that we need to surround ourselves
with good teachers. The actions outlined in our RAP require partnerships –
authentic and enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities to create true change and achieve genuine impact.
We are grateful to the many that have aided our journey to date and we look
forward to the many more over the coming year.
While the RAP Working Group will be the custodians of the Reconciliation Action
Plan, implementation of the RAP will be the responsibility of the whole of business.
Our pursuit of reconciliation is owned by all North East Water staff, and we are
encouraged by the enthusiasm of the business in furthering our engagement
with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
RAP Working Group Members 2020-21
Anthony Hernan - Executive Corporate Services (RAP Champion),
Erika Butler - People & Culture Advisor, Troy Chiodo-Gurr - Corporate
Projects Officer, Di Doyle - Education & Awareness Officer, Tanya Finnen -
Manager ICT, Misty Howard - Manager Governance, Ria Mishra - Finance
Officer, Natalie Pitcher - Executive Assistant Jess Schoeman - Project Officer
Planning, Melanie Simpson - Procurement Coordinator
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
04Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
and Current Activities
Following the formation of the Aboriginal Recognition To that end, we have implemented Aboriginal
Project Team in 2017, and the development of the recognition protocols, and provided cultural
Aboriginal Recognition Plan in 2018, North East awareness training to all staff by a member
Water has engaged broadly across the business of the Wiradjuri community.
in establishing the foundations for reconciliation.
We conducted cultural heritage assessments at
three of our sites (registering several scar trees),
The Recognition Plan established and have worked with the Dhudhuroa community
six clear principles — for planned cultural burns at Baranduda.
• Aboriginal recognition The Corporation has also pursued targeted Aboriginal
• Preserving cultural heritage employment opportunities, with the appointment
• Economic opportunities of traineeships in both the customer service and
• Extraordinary partnerships environment teams.
• Cross-cultural learning The Board has also welcomed an Aboriginal
• Seizing possibilities Independent Member in a 12-month internship
program. Not only will the role broaden our
perspectives in water management to incorporate
traditional Aboriginal values, but increase our cultural
awareness and enhance community relationships.
We have participated in (and hosted) NAIDOC week
events, and continue to partner with Murray Arts,
Burraja Gallery and local government agencies to
host an annual art exhibition of Aboriginal art.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
05Relationships
Relationships
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Identify Aboriginal and Torres December Project
Establish and strengthen Strait Islander stakeholders and 2020 Officer Planning
mutually beneficial organisations within our local area
relationships with or sphere of influence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander stakeholders and
organisations.
Research best practice and principles December Project
that support partnerships with 2020 Officer Planning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders and organisations.
Identify Registered Aboriginal Parties December Manager
and other like-minded organisations 2020 Communications
that we could approach to collaborate and Engagement
with on our reconciliation journey.
2. Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s April 2021 Corporate
Build relationships NRW resources and reconciliation Projects Officer
through celebrating materials to our staff.
National Reconciliation
Week (NRW).
RAP Working Group members to 27 May - Corporate
participate in an external NRW event. 3 June, 2021 Projects Officer
Encourage and support staff and 27 May - Corporate
senior leaders to participate in at least 3 June, 2021 Projects Officer
one external event to recognise and
celebrate NRW.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
06Relationships
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
3. Communicate our commitment October Chair
Promote reconciliation to reconciliation to all staff. 2020
through our sphere
of influence.
Identify external stakeholders that December Manager
our organisation can engage with 2020 Communications
on our reconciliation journey. and Engagement
Establish an in-house portal to improve October Manager
whole of business access to plans, 2020 Information
resources and business cases. Communication
Technology
4. Research best practice and policies December People & Culture
Promote positive in areas of race relations and anti- 2020 Advisor
race relations through discrimination.
anti-discrimination
strategies.
Conduct a review of HR policies December People & Culture
and procedures to identify existing 2020 Advisor
anti-discrimination provisions, and
future needs.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
07Gecko’s Dreaming
Stephen Berger
Gecko’s Dreaming
“Geckos are the ‘looking out’ creatures for all
living animals. They are best at night when
certain creatures come out with the rest of the
animals. The gecko lets off a noise that alerts
the other animals to danger.”
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
08Respect
Respect
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
5. Develop a business case for October Executive
Increase understanding, increasing understanding, value and 2020 Corporate
value and recognition of recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Strait Islander cultures, histories,
Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights within our
knowledge and rights organisation.
through cultural learning.
Conduct a review of cultural learning October Learning &
needs within our organisation. 2020 Development
Advisor
6. Develop an understanding of the local March Executive
Demonstrate respect to Traditional Owners or Custodians 2021 Assistant
Aboriginal and Torres of the lands and waters within our Planning &
Strait Islander peoples by organisation’s operational area. Infrastructure
observing cultural protocols.
Increase staff’s understanding March Executive
of the purpose and significance 2021 Assistant
behind cultural protocols, including Planning &
Acknowledgement of Country and Infrastructure
Welcome to Country protocols.
Erect Aboriginal and Torres Strait October Managing
Islander flags at North East Water’s 2020 Director
head office.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
09Respect
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
7. Raise awareness and share 8-15 Manager
Build respect for Aboriginal information amongst our staff about November Communications
and Torres Strait Islander the meaning of NAIDOC Week. 2020 and Engagement
cultures and histories by July 2021
celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week October Manager
by promoting external events in our 2020 Communications
local area. June 2021 and Engagement
RAP Working Group to participate 8-15 Manager
in an external NAIDOC Week event. November Communications
2020 and Engagement
July 2021
8. Continue to grow the Corporation’s September Communications
Raise the visibility of annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait 2021 and Engagement
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Exhibitions. Coordinator
Islander cultures through-out
our organisation.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
10Dhumamungee
Karin McMillan
Dhumamungee
“This work appreciates the passing of the Tassie
Tiger. In the past it roamed around our area.
In the present, water is precious and our
community uses water from the waterways.”
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
11Opportunities
Opportunities
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
9. Develop a program for Aboriginal December People &
Improve employment and Torres Strait Islander employment 2020 Culture Advisor
outcomes by increasing within our organisation.
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander recruitment,
retention and professional
development. Build understanding of current December People &
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2020 Culture Advisor
staffing to inform future employment
and professional development
opportunities.
Investigate and utilise Aboriginal December People &
and Torres Strait Islander media 2020 Culture Advisor
in advertising all vacancies.
10. Develop a business case for December Procurement
Increase Aboriginal and procurement from Aboriginal and Torres 2020 Coordinator
Torres Strait Islander Strait Islander owned businesses.
supplier diversity to support
improved economic and social
outcomes. Investigate Supply Nation membership. December Procurement
2020 Coordinator
11. Seek the appointment of January Managing
Increase Aboriginal and Torres an Elder-in-Residence for 2021 Director and
Strait Islander employment the Corporation. Board
opportunities.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
12Dreaming in Time
Kelly Lock
Dreaming in Time, 2019
“In traditional times when drought would strike and the water
would dry up, so did food sources around the river. The people
would have to move and look for water and food elsewhere.
They would be dreaming of the day when rains would come
and the river would run again. They could then return to their
beautiful river where life would be good with lots of food to
be found. And life would be easy again.”
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
13Governance
Governance
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
12. Form a RWG to govern October Corporate
Establish and maintain RAP implementation. 2020 Projects Officer
an effective RAP Working
Group (RWG) to drive
governance of the RAP.
Draft a Terms of Reference October Corporate
for the RWG. 2020 Projects Officer
Establish Aboriginal and Torres October Executive
Strait Islander representation 2020 Corporate
on the RWG. Services
13. Define resource needs October Corporate
Provide appropriate for RAP implementation. 2020 Projects Officer
support for effective
implementation of
RAP commitments.
Engage senior leaders in the October Executive
delivery of RAP commitments. 2020 Corporate
Services
Define appropriate systems October Corporate
and capability to track, measure 2020 Projects Officer
and report on RAP commitments.
14. Complete and submit the 30 September Corporate
Build accountability annual RAP Impact 2021 Projects Officer
and transparency Measurement Questionnaire
through reporting RAP to Reconciliation Australia.
achievements, challenges
and learnings both
internally and externally.
15. Register via Reconciliation June 2021 Corporate
Continue our reconciliation Australia’s website to begin Projects Officer
journey by developing our developing our Innovate RAP.
next RAP.
North East Water Reconciliation Action Plan
14For more information Contact Anthony Hernan Executive Corporate Services P — 02 6022 0524 E— ahernan@newater.com.au newater.com.au
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