This week is National Reconciliation Week in Australia, held each year between 27 May (the date of the 1967 referendum) and 3 June (the date of the 1992 Mabo decision).  

In the words of Reconciliation Australia, reconciliation is "about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous peoples." The purpose of the week is for all Australians to participate in and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture, so we can understand and acknowledge the past while working together towards a better future.  

For Ventia, it's important that wherever we operate, we respect the traditional custodians of the land and work in partnership with them to create social, economic and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. 

At Ventia our Diversity Committee have been working on our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) formed with guidelines provided by Reconciliation Australia. The RAP will outline how we plan to improve our cultural and historical awareness and continue building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. 

Our Head Office in Chatswood, Sydney, marked Reconciliation Week with a morning tea hosted by our Aboriginal Business Partner, Harry Thorne, who shared his insights as an Aboriginal Noongar man from the South West living today in Western Australia.

Alongside our commitment to reconciliation in Australia, we also recognise and celebrate the indigenous heritage and culture of New Zealand, where our teams engage with local iwi and communities across the country.

To find out more about Reconciliation Week and to explore this year's theme "Grounded in Truth, Walk Together in Courage", you can visit the Reconciliation Australia website.