GeelongPort launched its second reconciliation action plan (RAP) last week with the unveiling of a specially-created artwork.
The port operator released its Innovate RAP, which follows its 2021 Reflect RAP and will guide the organisation’s reconciliation activity through till the end of 2025.
The new RAP outlines a wide range of actions geared toward developing relationships, promoting respect and understanding, creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities and providing governance structure within GeelongPort to further those goals.
The report was developed in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, involving the commissioning of an artwork from emerging artist and proud Aboriginal woman Nikki McKenzie.
In the report Ms McKenzie said Corio Bay, which she depicted in the artwork, served as a “link between our past and present”.
“The bay was used as a trade location by our people as the first traders and today the trade continues via GeelongPort,” she said.
GeelongPort chief executive Brett Winter said he was proud of the organisation’s continued commitment to reconciliation.
“GeelongPort has taken what we have learnt from our Reflect RAP and we look forward to working closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to grow and enhance our vision for reconciliation through our Innovate RAP,” he said.
“We recognise the legacy and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our region, our state and our country, and we are committed to continually raising the bar of our RAP ambitions with a focus on respectful connections, education and impactful outcomes.
“This RAP will see GeelongPort forge new pathways to connect more deeply, understand more intensely and influence more readily a future that honours and respects all people and the land and waters on which we live.”
