As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, we’re excited to announce the release of our new Acknowledgement of Country. Westhaven’s new Acknowledgement of Country was developed by the Westhaven RAP Working Group, and reflects Westhaven’s footprint, and supports our deepening understanding of First Nations cultures and our commitment to reconciliation.
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing respect for the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are gathering or working. It is a statement that recognises the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
Why do we do it?
We do it to show our respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures, and to acknowledge the history of their dispossession. It is also a way of promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
When do we do it?
We give an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of meetings, events, and any other gatherings that take place on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
Westhaven’s new Acknowledgement of Country
We at Westhaven acknowledge First Nation peoples as the Traditional Owners, the Custodians of the land. We acknowledge the connection to land and waters, and as allies, we support their aspirations for Country. Westhaven is committed to reconciliation. We promote equity, provide education and opportunities, participate in culture, and partner with Community. Reconciliation is all of our responsibility.
This Acknowledgement will be used at all Westhaven events and meetings, and we encourage you to use it in your daily work as well.
RAP Progress Update
We are pleased to share a brief update on the progress of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We formally submitted our RAP to Reconciliation Australia on 4th November 2024 and have received confirmation of receipt. This is a major milestone in our journey, and we are proud of the work that has been done to get to this point. We are currently at the ‘Reflect’ stage of our RAP journey. This means we are focusing on:
- Laying the foundations for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.
- Building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
- Increasing awareness and understanding of First Nations history, cultures and perspectives across our workforce.
- Creating a workplace that is culturally safe and inclusive for all employees.
We will continue to provide regular updates on our progress, and we look forward to your continued support on this important journey.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
