Reconciliation

1.     RAP Working Group (RWG) actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting

RWG oversees the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP.

A Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) was established (along with Terms of reference) for the development and implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We held workshops during the initial phases in the development of the plan, which provided input into the development of the actions contained within the plan.

Representatives from Traditional Owners groups and the Wathaurong Co-operative were invited to attend these workshops and form part of the working group. Following the approval of the plan, it was not possible for the working group to continue to meet. We continued to engage with all parties individually and provide regular updates on our progress against the actions.

RAP champions were identified across the business and helped to deliver the actions within the RAP. We met and discussed the implementation of the action regularly with the RAP champions and reported regularly on our progress and achievements both internally and externally.

Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented on the RWG.

Meet at least twice a year to monitor and report on RAP implementation.

Establish Terms of Reference for the RWG.

2.     Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians

Organise at least one internal event for NRW every year.

We were proud to host a range of events for National Reconciliation Week over the life of the RAP, including music performances from Aboriginal artists Alice Skye and Neil Morris (DRMNGNOW), art exhibitions, digital building projections and Wayapa.

Unfortunately we had to cancel planned activities in 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Register all NRW events via Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website.

All NRW events were registered on Reconciliation Australia's website.

Support an external NRW event.

We’re proud to have supported Geelong One Fire’s "Reconciliation in the Park" for two years running, a Geelong-based community event promoting reconciliation. Initiated by the late Uncle David Tournier and organised by the late Ron Milligan, the event grew out of a joint desire to grow local understanding about Djillong history and culture, and engage the broad community in local reconciliation activities. The event, which is led by Aboriginal community members annually, is always open to everyone in Greater Geelong, to strengthen the local reconciliation journey.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a virtual Reconciliation in the Park was held during 2020 NRW. The theme of 2020 NRW, “in this together”, resonated in ways we could never have imagined when it was set in 2019. The online event shared videos promoting culture, music, dance and other activities.

The funds we provided allowed Geelong One Fire to engage a young indigenous community leader to coordinate and MC the event.

Over the life of our RAP, we also continued to support the City of Greater Geelong National Reconciliation Week projection program. The exhibition features paintings created with the support of The Torch project, a state-wide program that employs Indigenous Arts Officers to support participants in prison in exploring identity and culture through art.

The participants whose work is featured in this exhibition are from one of the three prisons located on Wadawurrung country. The aim of the program is to reduce the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in prison by connecting participants with their cultural identity and helping them to develop confidence and define new pathways.

Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.

Over the past two years we have celebrated NRW with the aim of ensuring all Barwon Water staff participate in an activity, not just the working group. We also made sure to promote other activities across the region.

Extend an invitation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share their reconciliation experiences or stories.

We extended invitations to our internal NRW events to the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This included the music performance from Alice Skye and Neil Morris held at Ryrie HQ. Feedback from community members was extremely positive who were grateful for the opportunity to attend and celebrate with us.

3.     Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes

Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.

We met with Traditional Owner groups across our region to identify the best ways to engage with them. Through this process, it was identified that "Partnership Agreements" were the best way to engage. A Partnership Agreement has been developed with Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation (Wadawurrung), which provides information on what and how we will engage with them. The Partnership Agreement was initially developed for a three-year period. In 2020, Eastern Maar was appointed as the Registered Aboriginal Party for the remainder of the area within our service region. We have had some initial conversations with them regarding the development of a Partnership Agreement and are looking forward to investigating the potential development of an engagement / partnership plan with them over time. Information on the engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for our broader organization is included within our Aboriginal Values Strategy.

Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement.

4.     Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and sector

Develop and implement a strategy to communicate and implement our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders.

When we launched our RAP in 2018, we made it available on our external website and internal intranet page. The launch of our RAP was also announced through an event with Minister for Water, the honourable Lisa Neville MP in attendance. It was also promoted through media and social media channels. We provided regular updates to the RWG and annually to all external stakeholders through our Annual Report and RAP email updates. We also presented our RAP at water conferences and other utility gatherings, outlining the works we were undertaking in delivering our RAP. Upon delivery of major actions, such as the sale of land at Bostock Reservoir to Wadawurrung, we communicated our achievements both internally and to our external stakeholders.

Integrate Reconciliation Action Plan into Department Plans.

Barwon Water internal teams had their specific RAP deliverables incorporated into department planning as part of the 90 day planning process.

Investigate a message on water bills in relation to working with Traditional Owners to Care for Country.

We investigated and drafted some messages to go on water bills and provided these to the billing department, but the advertising schedule was already committed to. Looking forward, we would like to include a Traditional Owner acknowledgement on all bills, reminder and overdue notices.

Work with Traditional Owners to incorporate aspects of traditional cultures and practices into the way we work and the services we provide to our customers through the development of a Caring for Country plan and Aboriginal Engagement Plan.

One of the major successes from our current RAP was the “Working with Traditional Owners to Care for Country” project. We’re now looking to embed and implement the success and objectives from this project into different parts of the business. The outcomes from the project will be a key element of the discussion, workshops and engagement as part of the development of our next RAP.

Executive Leadership Team and board to provide leadership to Barwon Water on Cultural Heritage / Aboriginal Values by contributing to the implementation of the RAP.

The successful implementation of our RAP could not have been achieved without the dedication and active involvement of both our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board. From opening all important events and "all staff" gatherings with an Acknowledgement of Country, to helping to drive our "Working with Traditional Owners to Care for Country" programs, the ELT and Board have provided exceptional leadership and set examples by presenting at reconciliation events, completing Cultural Awareness Training and providing leadership to our entire organisation.

Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders.

We actively engaged with different stakeholders throughout the implementation of the RAP. This has included the development of a Partnership Agreement with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events, presentations to local business groups and the broader water industry. We have also provided assistance and partnered with other organisations to engage with Traditional Owners on projects where we have identified mutual opportunities. An example of this was partnering with Deakin University and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in the design of artworks to be installed on water fountains at the Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.

1. Engage employees in continuous cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements

Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training strategy for our staff, which defines cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our business and considers various ways cultural learning can be provided (online, face to face workshops or cultural immersion).

An Aboriginal Values Strategy was developed providing detail and direction to the business on the Cultural Awareness Training requirements. The objectives from the Strategy in relation Cultural Awareness Training are as follows:

• every Barwon   Water employee undertakes Cultural Awareness Training
• provide teams   where an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee will be commencing   additional training to ensure a culturally safe work environment
• embed the   learnings from our “Working with Traditional Owners to Care for Country” into   our business
• develop a   Cultural Awareness e-learn module to provide staff with basic information   regarding cultural protocols, cultural engagement and Registered Aboriginal   Parties boundaries.

Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to develop cultural awareness training.

An Aboriginal Values Strategy was developed providing detail and direction to the business on cultural awareness training requirements. Cultural awareness training is delivered by the Registered Aboriginal Party within the area that the training is delivered.

Provide opportunities for RWG members, RAP champions, HR managers and other key leadership staff to participate in cultural training.

As detailed with our Aboriginal Values Strategy, every Barwon Water employee must undertake cultural awareness training. In addition, a specific training session was developed and run for the board.

Engage Traditional Owners, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups or consultants to deliver lunch and learn sessions to Barwon Water staff on relevant Cultural Heritage / Cultural Awareness topics.

We have organised and implemented a range of informative and hands on sessions for Barwon Water staff on a range of cultural heritage and cultural awareness topics. A particular highlight was a presentation from the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner, Jill Gallagher, who spoke to staff about Victorian Treaty process and why it was so important.

Investigate opportunities to develop and display Aboriginal History and Stories at Barwon Water sites. This could include interpretative signage, wall projections or videos.

We worked closely with Wadawurrung to develop signage for one of our development sites that provided Aboriginal history and stories relevant to that site. During NRW in 2018 and 2019, we started celebrations in our forecourt with an official Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Wadawurrung, before we launched our Reconciliation building projections, which included artwork and photos that celebrated the cultural strength of our local Aboriginal communities. ‘We see recognition – a children’s art exhibition’ and ‘The Torch Project’ exhibitions also opened to the public and displayed in our foyer over NRW in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

2. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning

Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

An Aboriginal Values Strategy has been developed that includes a cultural protocol section that provides direction for the business on a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. The objectives from the strategy in relation to the cultural protocol section are to:

• provide detailed information to staff on an Acknowledgement of Country
• provide detailed information to staff on a Welcome to Country
• recognise and celebrate/acknowledge culturally important dates, such as NRW and NAIDOC weeks.

Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships.

The information within the Aboriginal Values Strategy provides details of the process of organising a "Welcome to Country". This includes key contacts both internally and externally.

Invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country at significant events, including a values award presentation and official facility openings.

Whenever Barwon Water has a significant event (e.g. Minister announcement, building openings and significant internal and external events, it is now process to engage Traditional Owners to deliver a Welcome to Country. We were lucky enough to be welcomed onto Country for this likes the official Kadak Place opening (Barwon Asset Solutions depot), NRW and NAIDOC Week events and introducing our new trainees.

Include an Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of all important internal and external meetings.

The cultural protocols document provides details to staff on when we should undertake an Acknowledgment of Country. All significant Barwon Water events or meetings now commence with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Encourage staff to include an Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of all meetings.

Whilst the cultural protocols document provides details to staff on when we should undertake an Acknowledgment of Country, it also encourages staff to include an Acknowledgement at any larger or external meetings. We also encourage staff to acknowledge country in smaller meetings when they feel comfortable.

Organise and display an Acknowledgment of Country plaque in our office building.

An Acknowledgement of Country plaque has been installed and in the reception area at Ryrie HQ. Made and designed locally by Wathaurong Glass, proudly supporting a local Aboriginal business while paying respects to our Traditional Owners and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Investigate the inclusion of an Acknowledgement of Country on lanyards, corporate templates, and publications.

An Acknowledgement of Country is always included on external publications such as the annual report and corporate plan, as well as corporate documents and speeches. Using artwork created by our first-ever Aboriginal Partnerships Advisor, we have developed a range of lanyards that incorporating indigenous artwork. We also designed a special drink bottle to celebrate our support of the ‘Djilang’ program in 2018 and 2019 that contained an Acknowledgment of Country.

3. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week

Review P&C policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week.

We have applied a diversity and inclusion lens and reviewed all policies for Barwon Water staff.

Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff as well as all Barwon Water employees were invited and encouraged to participate in cultural events during NAIDOC Week.

In 2019, we celebrated NAIDOC Week with a very special all-staff presentation from Treaty Advancement Commissioner and proud Gunditjmara woman, Jill Gallagher. Jill is a highly respected Aboriginal leader who has dedicated her life to advocating for the Victorian Aboriginal community.

Jill spoke to us about Treaty and the challenges Victorian Aboriginal people are facing during the process.

Barwon Water employees also had the privilege to learn techniques from proud Ngintait and Wadi Wadi man, Lyndon Morgan. Traditionally, only men play the didgeridoo during ceremonial occasions. Barwon Water employees learnt stories and techniques of weaving from Yorta Yorta and Taungurung woman Donna Blackall. Traditionally, weaving is a time for women to come together, talk, share stories, and connect with flax and grasses in hand.

Note: in Aboriginal culture, certain customs and practices are performed by men and women separately, often referred to as Men’s and Women’s Business.

Celebrate NAIDOC week in line with yearly theme by attending and representing Barwon Water at local community events.

Barwon Water staff attended a range of NAIDOC Week events over the life of our RAP. These have included events at Wathaurong and Colac Co-operatives and other state / local government agencies.

1.     Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace

Collect information on our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment opportunities.

To help us build a more diverse and inclusive organisation as part of our Diversity and Inclusion plan, information is gathered on employees including those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This information along with the actions within our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy will help inform future employment opportunities.

Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development.

We engaged and consulted with our Aboriginal Strategic Partnership Advisor and external consultants, Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy for support on employment strategies and mentor support post-employment.

Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention strategy.

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy was developed and is in place.

Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media.

There is an agreement in place with Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy that all externally posted job vacancies are advertised on Wan-Yaari job boards. During the traineeship recruitment campaign, we engaged Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy to communicate with local Aboriginal communities and agencies (i.e. Matchworks, White Lion, GROW)

Review P&C and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace.

We continue to apply a diversity and inclusion lens to all policies for Barwon Water staff, together with the development of unconscious bias training.

2.     Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within our organisation

Review and update procurement policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers for procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

All tender and quotation documentation has been reviewed to ensure there are no barriers to procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Procurement templates include draft schedules to prompt consideration and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
The Purchasing Manual provides an overview of our commitment to achieving beneficial social outcomes through its procurement activities and promotes engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Develop and communicate to staff a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services.

The intranet contains an Indigenous Procurement section under Social Procurement within the Procurement and Contract Services Folio. Staff can identify accredited Indigenous businesses through a link to Kinaway. Kinaway is an Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce based in Melbourne through which Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses and entrepreneurs have a collective voice both within the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and the general business community. The link provides details on over 200 Victorian indigenous businesses and their various services.

Develop at least one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business.

We’re proud to have a number of commercial relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, including:

• Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation
• Dreamtime Art
• On Country Heritage & Consulting
• Guli-Gad Aboriginal Corporation
• Kuuyang Maar Aboriginal Corporation
• Wan Yaari
• Nallawilli
• Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation
• Pawa Catering and Events
• Narana Creations
• Little Rocket

Engagement of indigenous businesses is an ongoing commitment under Barwon Water’s Social Procurement Strategy.

Investigate Supply Nation membership.

Procurement investigated becoming a member of Supply Nation, a national non-profit organisation that aims to grow the indigenous business sector through promotion of supplier diversity. The annual membership fee provides access to a business directory, training and events.
Under a State Government initiative, all departments and agencies, including water corporations, have free access to a directory of Victorian Aboriginal businesses through Kinaway or DEDJTR’s Victorian Aboriginal Business Directory.
Barwon Water is a member of a Victorian Water Sector Social Procurement Working Group which includes a strong focus on promoting use of and identifying business opportunities for indigenous businesses across the sector.
Due to the depth of resources available via these mechanisms and Barwon Water's maturing relationships with regional indigenous businesses and organisations, a direct membership of Supply Nation is not considered to be advantageous at this time.

3.     Investigate strategic projects with Traditional Owner groups to incorporate traditional land management practices into revegetation projects, understand, recognise and accept history, and create economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Investigate the use of Barwon Water land holdings for Aboriginal Values / Cultural Heritage purposes and economic opportunities.

A range of our land holdings have been investigated for increasing Aboriginal Values/cultural heritage purposes and economic opportunities. These investigations have resulted in a range of outcomes including, partnership opportunities and the sale of land to Traditional Owners.

Investigate opportunities to undertake licenced Aboriginal Tours at Painkalac Reservoir.

An investigation into licenced Aboriginal tours at Painkalac Reservoir was undertaken, however it was deemed not appropriate to progress at this stage.

Develop a Stakeholder Committee to investigate the development of an “Understand and Accept History” park at Duneed Reserve.

Barwon Water chaired a Stakeholder Committee that investigated the development of an “Understand and Accept History” park at Duneed Reserve. The Stakeholder Committee developed a concept plan that was provided to Wadawurrung who are progressing the project further.

Engage Wadawurrung knowledge and methodologies in the redevelopment of Aqueduct Park.

This proposed cultural and community precinct (formerly known as Aqueduct Park), is now an active partnership project between Barwon Water and Wadawurrung with a project title of Porronggitj Karrong – Place of the Brolga. The project is intended to be an opportunity to investigate, rediscover, trial, rehabilitate and introduce traditional land and water management practices.

Develop a “Caring for Country” and Environmental Improvement Program that includes focus on the inclusion of Aboriginal Values into planning processes, projects and system operations.

The development and implementation of the “Working with Traditional Owners to Care for Country” program has been received well by staff who have participated in the “On Country” tours with our Traditional Owner partners.

The program provided education and awareness around Aboriginal culture, history and land use and management, discussing how they can intergrade Caring for Country into their own roles.

Major themes that emerged from the project are being explored in detail and have provided us with a map forward as we continue to work with Traditional Owners to Care for Country. Refer to the highlight above for more information.

4. Investigate the incorporation of Aboriginal History / Cultural Heritage into our schools education program.

Develop content in consultation with Traditional Owner groups. Content to be delivered to school groups when undertaking tours of our sites.

Some basic content (Acknowledgment of Country) was included in the Water Hero early learning program. Development of additional content has been postponed by changes/difficulties in accessing key contacts within Traditional Owner groups. Aboriginal inclusion in Education progam content now planned for Q1 and Q2 2020/21.

Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Working Group to collect data for the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire.

Reconciliation Working Group to seek internal approval to submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia

Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer

Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire.

The Aboriginal Partnerships Advisor investigated and collected data for the RAP Impact Questionnaire. Following the collection of this information it was then submitted to Reconciliation Australia each year.

We investigated but did not participate in the RAP Barometer.

Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally

Publically report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings.

Internally report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings

We publically reported our achievements, challenges and learning via a number of different ways including our annual report, external website, social media and media releases.

During the implementation of the RAP we developed periodic updates on the achievements and progress against the actions within our RAP. These reports were provided to the Working Group and internally via our intranet.

Review, refresh and update RAP

Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback.

Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement.

We are currently liaising with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based upon our learnings, challenges and achievements in implementing this RAP.