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GeelongPort updates its Reconciliation Action Plan

January 5, 2024 BY

Wadawurrung artist Nikki McKenzie (left) with Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles (centre) and GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter at the launch of GeelongPort's Innovate RAP. Photo: SUPPLIED

PORT operator GeelongPort has taken another step towards reconciliation with the release of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The Innovate RAP is GeelongPort’s second RAP – following its earlier Reflect RAP – and will guide the organisation’s reconciliation activity through to December 2025 and ensure it is meaningfully contributing to reconciliation in Australia.

At the launch, held last month, Wadawurrung artist Nikki McKenzie unveiled an artwork she created for GeelongPort’s Innovate RAP, which tells the story of Corio Bay and surrounds.

The report was developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles conducted a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony during the launch.

GeelongPort chief executive officer 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.

“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.”

GeelongPort says it recognises the importance of cultural heritage through its company value of “Because We Live Here Too”, which highlights respect for each other, the community and the shared environment of Corio Bay.

Supported by independent not-for-profit organisation Reconciliation Australia, RAPs are implemented in four stages – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate – with each designed to suit an organisation on a different part of its reconciliation journey.

To download GeelongPort’s Innovate RAP, head to geelongport.com.au/reconciliation