Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan JULY 2018 – JULY 2020

Report We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We acknowledge that our Jolimont office is situated on Boodja. We pay our respect to Whadjuk Noongar people and culture, and to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

ADVICE: This document may contain images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away. 3 “We are profoundly thankful to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for naming, caring for and being custodians of the landscapes, language, culture and law in Introduction this country. This rich heritage enriches and Walking forward together is core to our Creating enlivens our collective lives, communities, 1 Communities philosophy. We engage people and organisations, environments and economies.” organisations to find common ground and build social value. We believe that learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, language, Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is central to this work. culture and land is not an obligation, but It reflects our deeply held belief in equality and social equity; an ongoing journey which we are privileged mapping the pathways through which we seek to achieve to be walking. Through deep engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander this with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. communities, the quality of our work is better, our engagement is more meaningful and our team is stronger. For us, this is what reconciliation is all about.

We are deeply thankful to all those who have It’s not something tangible or something that Top: Bradley Hall, Chair of Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal contributed to our reconciliation journey, with we may achieve, but rather a continuous and Corporation and Melvin Farmer, Chair of Western Desert special mention to Neville Collard, Marissa ongoing commitment to acknowledge, accept, Lands Aboriginal Corporation following the signing of Verma, Walter and Doolan-Leisha Eatts, and understand and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres the Cultural Compact. Kim Bridge for their involvement in guiding Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Bottom: BHP Principal of Corporate Affairs, Chris Cottier addressing the Newman community after the signing of the development and implementation of our In 2018, Creating Communities continued our the Cultural Compact. RAP. We would also like to thank the Martu reconciliation journey when Reconciliation Leadership Group, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Australia endorsed our first Innovative Our RAP is not just a statement of intent for Corporation (Karlka), Western Desert Lands Reconciliation Action Plan. For us, this was us – it is a declaration of action. It is a way to Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) and all other an important step, and a way to formally hold ourselves accountable to ensure that Traditional Owners, Elders and Custodians who announce our commitment to this amazing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait have partnered with us on our projects. Their learning process. Islander engagement, culture, aspirations and contributions and the contributions of other partnerships are reflected in all the projects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to and community work we do. our work have profoundly shaped our thinking, approaches and outcomes on projects. Although we have been consulting Over the years, the vast range of projects we and engaging with Aboriginal and have been involved with have seen us learn Torres Strait Islander communities about and work in a number of communities over the past two decades, we know all around the metropolitan, regional and that we still have so much to learn, remote areas, as well as more widely around Australia. As a result of this, we have been Top: Newman community enjoying the celebrations and are excited to continue to learn, at the Newman Futures strategy launch. privileged to meet, engage, learn and walk with grow and share our journey with you Bottom: Corban Clause Williams showing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Newman Futures team the informal paths in as we move forward together. and communities. and around East Newman.

1 4 This is our Dream Response: 5 Creating Communities 2020 Our Commitment

We recognise the ancestral We thank Aboriginal and Torres Strait ties and sovereignty that Islander peoples for naming, caring for and being custodians of the landscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait language, culture and law in this country. Islander peoples have in This rich heritage enriches and enlivens our the lands their ancestors collective lives, communities, organisations, environments and economies. traversed throughout the We wholeheartedly commit to following and lands we listening to the evolving Aboriginal and Torres now call Australia for over Strait Islander stories of these landscapes 60,000 years. and cultures. We also commit to working deeply with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we collectively lay down new foundations and walk together.

We are serious and we commit to this journey.

We will do what we say.

We invite you to keep us accountable.

6 7 Our Vision

Since beginning this RAP

journey, we have been We aspire to be a place where our staff committed to ensuring that acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal reconciliation integrates and Torres Strait Islander experiences, history and culture, and actively embed into all we do: into our core it into all elements of our work. values and our ways of Together with our values, this vision for working and interfacing with reconciliation is underpinned by: communities, stakeholders • Respect the values and beliefs and clients, so that together of Aboriginal and Torres Strait we contribute to Australia's Islander peoples reconciliation journey. • Understand the potential impact our business may have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their We support the communities Statement • Increase the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait from the Heart. Islander peoples and their communities in the success of our business

Our reconciliation vision is that through • Support programs that all our work people’s hearts would be strengthen and promote the compelled to seek and commit to “fair interests and aspirations of and truthful”2 relationships with First Aboriginal and Torres Strait Nations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Islander peoples and that this • Encourage all employees would engender broad community. to develop an awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

8 9 2 Uluru Statement Our Values

At Creating Communities, our values are at the heart of everything we do.

• Excel at the nexus - We bring • Create lasting, positive change people and organisations - We are driven to empower together to build common people to become change agents pathways forward. It’s in the in their own communities and nexus of interests that we uncover organisations. In all we do we seek opportunities that can change to build capacity, ensure respect places and communities for for diversity and equity. the better. • Stay sharp - We focus on what’s • Give generously - We believe important. We lead ourselves generosity between people is the and others. We improve. We cornerstone of human flourishing. stay sharp. We seek to create spaces • Nurture relationships - We seek characterised by generosity of to nurture positive relationships spirit, giving space for others to and work in a shared direction for contribute, support and thrive. the common good. • Generate trust - We aspire • The heart of it - We believe most to generate trust, provide people deep down want good trustworthy advice and deliver on things for themselves and others. promises. We are prepared to be It’s this heart we strive to uncover honest and speak out for the truth and bring to life in our work. even when it’s uncomfortable.

Newman Futures strategy 10 launch event November 2019. 11 Key Achievements In Our Projects

We are proud to share some Regional Strategy of our journey over the past and Social Planning: two years. Since our RAP was endorsed, we’ve continued Newman Futures to work hand in hand with Creating Communities' Newman Aboriginal and Torres Strait The Newman community reading the Newman Futures Futures project is a partnership strategy at the 2019 launch. Islander communities on our between BHP, the Shire of East projects. We are pleased to share and the Department of Communities. With Culture and Country identified as ► The development of a short film some of our key achievements. one of the four key project focus areas, the directed by Martu film makers Since 2019, we have been working Newman Futures strategy is based around Curtis Taylor and Nathan Mewitt alongside the project partners to build Kujunkarrinjanka, a Martu word meaning that showcases and celebrates the a sustainable economy that is inclusive “Coming Together”. It’s a powerful word that aspirations of young people in the area unites different community members, each to all. ► The Martu Leadership Team attended with their own strengths to work together a full day workshop with our team to ensure a brighter future for everyone Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation in our Perth office and our Managing in Newman, with a strong economy and a and the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Director, Donna Shepherd, spent time powerful, united community. Corporation are two important organisations with the Martu Leadership Team in in the Pilbara. Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Newman – with a focus on community Important outcomes Corporation (Karlka) represents the Nyiyaparli development outcomes in Newman. people, and the Western Desert Lands By developing strong and trusting This was categorised by Kanyirninpa Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) represents relationships with Nyiyaparli and Martu Jukurrpa as leadership development the . As Prescribed Body leaders Newman Futures has delivered ► Two Western Desert strategies Corporates, they represent two special a range of important outcomes. Some of focusing on remote serving groups of people each with their own rich and these include: (“The Staying at Home” plan) and unique history. ► The development and signing of a remote transport (“The Getting Back From the outset of this project, our team Cultural Compact between Karlka Home” plan) have been developed adopted a collaborative approach, co- Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and endorsed by the District designing the Newman Futures project and Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Leadership Group strategy with Nyiyaparli, Martu, government, Corporation that invites all of us, both business and non-government organisations Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to walk to position Newman as a town ready for the a new pathway with mutual respect to future of work. build a strong future together

12 13 Corban Clause Williams showing Ryan Dunham (Hames Sharley) and the Newman Futures team the informal paths in and around East Newman.

► The development of an education As our work on the Newman roadmap that paves the way from Futures project evolves, our early childhood through to employment to ensure Martu and Nyiyaparli are team is excited to continue equipped to participate in the economy working closely with our partners and are active contributors in their local to progress a number of these communities exciting initiatives. ► Engagement and co-design with Martu and Nyiyaparli artists and community members to inform “Home in East Newman” project which will deliver a range of initiatives related to housing, landscaping, community services and amenity to ensure that East Newman is a safe and comfortable place to live.

Bradley Hall, Chair of Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and Melvin Farmer, Chair of Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation signing the Cultural Compact.

14 15 Community Development: Peet and Cedar Woods Estates

At Creating Communities, we work stories of how the land was used in the past, with land developers to support as well as sharing music and singing with the children over lunch. them to build vibrant and connected communities across Perth, by designing and delivering a range of initiatives At Bushmead Estate, our client Cedar Woods partnered with Nature Play through our tailored Community and to create a nature trail focused on a Economic Development Plans (CEDPs). different aspect of Bushmead’s unique story. In the planning and discovery stages of these CEDPs, we engage with the Traditional The area’s history, diverse ecosystem and Owners or Custodians of the Land, as well Whadjuk Noongar culture was highlighted as local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander through an App with the use of rich imagery Elders and stakeholders to learn more about and audio stories recorded by the community. the area’s unique heritage. We also ensure a We worked closely with Noongar Elder deep understanding of the local connections Neville Collard, who conducted the official to the land and community and any areas of Welcome to Country at the launch, as well as special significance. Throughout the project, the Midland and Districts Historical Society we continue to nurture these relationships to ensure that Aboriginal culture, knowledge and seek ongoing partnership opportunities and stories were highlighted accordingly and to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and shared throughout the trail. Torres Strait Islander culture and encourage further learning opportunities. These are just a few examples of the way Aboriginal histories and An example of this is the Interpretive Walk around Black Swan Lake for Peet’s cultures are acknowledged and Lakelands Estate. embedded throughout our land As part of our ongoing community projects. development, our team partnered with Noongar Elder, George Walley of Manjoogoordap Dreaming, for an interpretive walk around Black Swan Lake with the local primary school children. Noongar Elder, George Over two sessions throughout the day, Walley of Manjoogoordap Dreaming, leads local George showed students around the lake, primary school children on pointing out significant areas and sharing an interpretive walk around Black Swan Lake.

16 17 Community Engagement and Planning: Subi East

Over the past 18 months our team We produced a series of podcasts that has been working on the Subi included interviews with key people from East redevelopment project led the local area. by DevelopmentWA. Through our Two Noongar Elders, Aunt Muriel Bowie and Farley Garlett took part in these interviews, involvement on the project, we produced providing insights into the Aboriginal history the Cultural Context and Place Narrative of the area. to ensure the rich history of the Subiaco area was embedded and embraced as We also worked with Aboriginal Elder, part of the design and development of Barbara Bynder, to seek input into the the Subi East Redevelopment Project. Masterplan.

It was important, not only to our team, but for As Subiaco was the home of Australian the project itself that Aboriginal perspectives Rules Football in WA for many decades, the and narratives were included as part of the strong history of Aboriginal achievement in research and engagement process. This our national game also formed a significant included ensuring that the rich Aboriginal and element of the narrative. Torres Strait Islander history of the area was Our team is proud to have been involved in this included, from before European settlement process that will ensure that the rich history of through to the present day. the area will be acknowledged and celebrated with the wider community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences will form a key part of the final Masterplan as well as in the public spaces in the Subi East development area, including interpretive trails featuring information on the Noongar six seasons and Noongar use of local flora.

Capturing the communities' vision for the future of the 18 Subi East redevelopment. 19 Environment, Sustainability and Community Engagement: Roe 8 and Wetlands Centre Redevelopment

Through our work on the To do this, we ensured Aboriginal and “Rehabilitating Roe 8” plan and Torres Strait Islander representation on the Project Working Group and Project Steering the Cockburn Wetlands Education Committee, as well as undertaking a range Precinct, our team sought to of engagement activities with Aboriginal engage with Whadjuk Noongar and Torres Strait Islander peoples through Traditional Owners, to learn from the City of Cockburn’s Aboriginal Reference Group, and through a barbecue open to the their experiences and ensure our broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work on these projects was community at Bibra Lake. These engagement culturally appropriate. activities allowed us to build strong Whadjuk Noongar woman Charne Hayden explains the relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultural importance of the Roe 8 reserve. As part of the now cancelled Roe 8 highway Islander stakeholders, as well as building trust These partnerships and engagement led to extension, a key corridor of native bushland and rapport with the broader community. the Rehabilitating Roe 8 plan including the was cleared. Our role, in partnership with following key recommendations: the Project Steering Committee and Emerge ► The implementation of a cultural Associates, was to develop a plan for heritage survey prior to any works ecological rehabilitation, while also restoring being undertaken community trust and connection to the area. ► The exploration of any opportunities City of Cockburn Youth Workshop at the Cockburn for employment and training of Wetlands Education Precint. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ► The involvement of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in restoration activities ► The promotion of engagement opportunities through Noongar Radio and other channels that target the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community ► The recognition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture through signage and public art.

20 21 The Plan was endorsed by the Some of these included: State Government and many of our ► Acknowledging and recognising recommendations are now being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander implemented. culture and history in the project's built The strong relationships formed during form and landscaping the Rehabilitating Roe 8 project were ► Making the facility more welcoming instrumental to our team when we and accessible to the Aboriginal and subsequently began engagement on another Torres Strait Islander community project for the Cockburn Wetlands Education Precinct. Our team was able to build upon ► Delivering heritage surveys prior to the relationships with the City of Cockburn’s any earthworks, ensuring local Elders Aboriginal Reference Group, meet again have the opportunity to participate with Whadjuk Noongar Elders, and deliver a in ongoing planning, design and organisation activities focus group open to the broader Aboriginal Creating Communities staff at our annual cultural and Torres Strait Islander community to ► Exploring the opportunity to develop awareness training. understand what opportunities were possible WA’s first urban Aboriginal and Cultural Awareness as part of the project. Torres Strait Islander Ranger Training Through this partnership work, we were able program. to put forward a number of recommendations which are now being considered as part of the Each year, all our Creating Communities Our team were excited to be part of this design and redevelopment of the precinct. staff participate in cultural awareness learning experience as Marissa taught us about her experience as an Aboriginal woman and responsiveness training. In and encouraged us to think deeply about 2020, this took the form of a half-day our own personal experiences, our work session facilitated by Marissa Verma across Aboriginal communities and ask any of Bindi Bindi Dreaming at Piney Lakes questions. The cultural awareness training motivated and inspired our team to think more Environmental Education Centre. deeply about how they can each contribute Marissa is a Noongar Traditional Owner on the journey towards reconciliation, both with deep knowledge of the Whadjuk personally and professionally. Noongar culture of the Swan River region and is an enthusiastic advocate for ensuring that Aboriginal voices are heard in public debate.

Marissa guided us in a walk along the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women’s Trail where she explained the Noongar six seasons, and how they are based on local changes in weather, growth cycles of plants and the habits of animals. Marissa Verma of Bindi Bindi Dreaming at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre, explaining

the Noongar six seasons to the Creating Communities team. 22 23 As we look forward to the next steps of our reconciliation journey, each of our staff has made a commitment to listen, reflect and question the work that we do, to hold Reflections ourselves accountable for being proactive in taking steps to elevate our voices for reconciliation. We are committed to and next steps unpacking both conscious and unconscious biases within ourselves, looking for partnership opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and businesses, and exploring ways to embed the The journey since our first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture Innovative RAP has been an and history into all projects. important period for us at Creating As a company, we’ve grown and developed Communities. Being part of over the years, and it is our hope that the Reconciliation Action Plan we continue to do so as we pursue our reconciliation journey. For Creating Program with Reconciliation Communities, it has been 27 years, but for Australia has positively challenged the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander us and we have been grateful for communities that came before us, it is far the support of the organisation beyond 60,000 years. And recognising that, and understanding the depth and breadth and our Aboriginal partners. of knowledge, of connection to community and land, is integral for us as a community development and social planning company. Our philosophy is ‘Move Forward Together’ and we are committed to doing just that, hand-in-hand with our partners from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in each of the areas we are We would also like to acknowledge and fortunate to work. thank all those who have contributed to our reconciliation journey, with special mention to Neville Collard, Marissa Verma, Walter and We have a long way to go Doolan-Leisha Eatts, and Kim Bridge for their on our journey but are excited to involvement in guiding the development and implementation of our RAP. We would also embrace the challenges like to thank the Martu Leadership Group, and opportunities that lie Karlka, WDLAC and all other Traditional ahead – together. Owners, Elders and Custodians who have partnered with us on our projects.

Martumili artist Beverly Rogers at the 24 "Home in East Newman" workshop. 25 CONTACT DETAILS

Rebecca Anderson Creating Communities Consultant and RAP Lead 08 9284 0910 [email protected] creatingcommunities.com.au