As part of its reconciliation journey, Western Power is partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and Elders to provide employees with opportunities to acknowledge the important work, cultural and life experiences Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to its workforce and the community.
During National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held between 25 May and 3 June, Western Power employees will be able to participate in a unique program of contemporary culture sharing by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and organisations aligned with this year’s NRW theme `Be a voice for generations’.
As well as participating in the NRW Virtual Breakfast on 25 May, there will be live screenings of two short films by Goreng/Minang Noongar woman, writer, director and producer Karla Hart, and an art engagement activity held at various Western Power depots with Waalitj Foundation and Aboriginal artist Julianne Wade.
“Everyone at Western Power has a role to play in reconciliation and through our Reconciliation Action Plan we’re working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to strengthen our relationships and create meaningful change,” Western Power Executive Sponsor of the Walking Together Employee Network Group (ENG) Gair Landsborough said.
Mr Landsborough said Western Power’s commitment to creating connections was foundational in all its operations.
“Our new Albany Depot is dual-named Kinjarling Pindjarr, after consultation with local Minang elders, and the artwork Madjitil Boodja or Magical Country, by Great Southern artist Errol Eades is a significant feature on the Albany Fleet workshop,” Mr Landsborough said.
“We’ve also established a Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, which includes strong representation of Aboriginal employees, and we are proud to have partnerships with the Waalitj Foundation and Clontarf Foundation, targeting future-talent through our entry-level pathway positions,” he said.
“We have also awarded 34 contracts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses since the start of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy in 2018 and have spent $7.5 million on these contracts to date.
“Enriching activities embracing Aboriginal culture bring Western Power employees together at these events to learn and share on our reconciliation journey.”
The program has been put together by Western Power’s Walking Together ENG with support from Aboriginal Engagement Consultant Brad Collard.