- Water Minister launches Busselton Water's second Reconciliation Action Plan
- Focus on strengthening connections with the Wardandi Noongar community
Busselton Water has launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant next step in the regional water utility's reconciliation journey and reinforcing its commitment to truth-telling, cultural respect and meaningful partnerships with First Nations peoples.
Building on the foundations of its Reflect RAP launched in 2022, the new RAP sets out a two-year program of actions to embed reconciliation across the organisation's strategy, workforce, and operations.
The RAP includes commitments to cultural immersion, increased employment and procurement opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into Busselton Water's water management strategies.
Busselton Water commissioned local Wardandi/Bibbulman Noongar artist Natalie Clark (Djarliny) to create artwork which will become part of a brand extension and be featured on uniforms and other corporate materials. The artwork Keip - The Element of Life, is a powerful piece which symbolises the interconnectedness of people, water, and the land.
This RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
Busselton Water is a member of the Reconciliation Action Plan program, a network of more than 3,000 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program.
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"Busselton Water's RAP reflects a strong commitment to listening, learning, and working in partnership with Traditional Custodians to protect and manage our most vital resource - water.
"I commend Busselton Water for taking real steps to embed reconciliation in everything they do - from cultural training and community engagement to employment and planning. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this important work."
