National Reconciliation Week 2023 across UGL

Date

June 14, 2023

Categories

Diversity and inclusion

Tags

At UGL, National Reconciliation Week was commemorated through diverse initiatives and activities. We engaged in cultural immersion events that allowed us to expand our knowledge as an organisation and gain an appreciation for the rich histories and cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in which UGL operates.

Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2023 is to “Be a Voice for Generations.”

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Through our ongoing engagement and collaboration, we seek to build bridges, promote cultural diversity, and create opportunities for genuine reconciliation. Together, we can make a lasting impact and forge a future that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Read about our commitments in our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Enjoy our wrap up below featuring images from across Australia, while we participated in #NRW2023

In Auburn, Joseph Stewart, Madeline Donovan and Ana Knight attended the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council’s community event for National Reconciliation Week. There was a Welcome to Country, smoking and cleansing ceremony as well as a flag raising.

Businesses, non-Government organisations as well as local, state, and federal government outreach teams were present to answer any questions with resources and information for the community.

At our Rivervale office, UGL’s Aboriginal Participation and Engagement Manager Wanita Bartholomeusz hosted a lunch and learn, acknowledging the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflecting on how we can all play a part in the healing process.

On Friday 2 June, UGL joined thousands of people in the Reconciliation WA Walk for Reconciliation event in beautiful Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), to connect to Boodja, yarn with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, and celebrate living Noongar culture in WA.

Representatives from the Mariyung Fleet project team at Kangy Angy attended the Central Coast Reconciliation Gathering event held at the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. The team experienced a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country, cultural dance, and the meaning of reconciliation with a clearing song followed by mingling with all those in attendance.

In Gladstone, UGL sponsored and attended a two-day First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry summit that focused on the Paris Agreement of Australia target of net zero emissions by 2050. The event explored how First Nations people can contribute to this project.

In Brisbane, UGL's Executive General Manager Services and UGL RAP Chair, Sam Goldsmith, hosted an educational trivia event for the office team, testing their knowledge about the history of National Reconciliation Week and how it has made a positive impact in our community.

In Rutherford, the team hosted NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) onsite as well as a Welcome to Country, smoking and cleansing ceremony, and an Aboriginal cultural dance performance by Waagan Galga.