Busselton Water launches Reconciliation Action Plan to strengthen Wardandi Noongar community connections

Busselton Water took the next step on its reconciliation journey by launching its second action plan on May 29. The utility’s chief executive officer David Hughes-Owen said the Reconciliation Action Plan reinforced its commitment to truth-telling, cultural respect and meaningful partnerships with First Nations peoples. Water Minister Don Punch helped launch the new RAP, which sets out a two-year program of actions to drive reconciliation across the organisation’s strategy, workforce, and operations, building on the foundations of its Reflect RAP in 2022. The plan includes commitments to cultural immersion, increased employment and procurement opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also includes the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into Busselton Water’s water management strategies. Busselton Water commissioned local Wardandi Bibbulman artist Natalie Clark 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 described as a piece which symbolises the interconnected nature of people, water, and the land. Mr Hughes-Owen said the announcement had been garnering positive feedback. “We’ve had really positive response from the minister’s office, and also from our local Indigenous groups . . . who helped with our immersion day to launch the plan last Friday,” he said. “Our next step is to take positive action within the First Nation communities to embed the reconciliation actions (and) establish some really good relationships with local First Nations people and really encourage First Nations employment in the area.” He said an important part of the RAP was having the local Aboriginal groups supported and understanding their perspectives. “We think it’s really important that we listen to their stories and understand their perspective to help us continue to be custodians here at Busselton Water,” Mr Hughes-Owen said. “The other thing I think is really important is procurement — I think we’re looking for opportunity to not only buy, but locally procure our products and services. “Also to look where we can support First Nations companies or local Indigenous organisations to foster their growth and employment of Aboriginal people in the area.” Water Minister Don Punch said the plan reflected a “strong commitment to listening, learning, and working” in partnership with custodians to protect and manage 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,” Mr Punch said. “I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this important work.”