Dear Colleagues, Customers and our Communities,
It is National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and this week each year is marked by two significant milestones in Australian history which helped shape the reconciliation journey, the 1967 Referendum which altered the Australian Constitution and the High Court Mabo Decision which recognised Native Title.
In This Together is this year’s theme, resonating with us in ways no-one could have envisaged before. It reminds us that we all have a role to play whether that be in a crisis or reconciliation. Reconciliation is a journey for all - individuals, families , communities and organisations. I encourage each and every one of us to reflect on the important role we all play, whether big or small in the journey of reconciliation.
As a company operating in Australia on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and water, we have a responsibility to support reconciliation. Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Islander organisations, communities and companies is the right thing to do and helps us be more innovative, diverse and resilient. Our main community partnerships include Cowboys Community Foundation and Waste Aid, and our business partnerships include Geared up Culcha, Zancott Recruitment and North West Alliance.
In the spirit of In This Together we are launching a ‘Veolia - In This Together’ banner program to demonstrate the diversity and strength of Veolia employees and communities in times of crisis whilst supporting Reconciliation. We are encouraging employees to submit their photos ‘socially distanced style’ and share what the theme means to them.
Veolia has a long history in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and last year I was proud to see the company launch our first Stretch RAP. This was a significant milestone for our organization and it focuses on four key themes; education, community partnerships, employment, supporting and partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses. Whilst we have achieved much as an organisation, there is still more to do and I look forward to continuing the journey of Reconciliation alongside you all.
We are also pleased to reveal our latest video which focuses on the launch of our RAP abroad Tribal Warrior where we were joined by our community partners, employees and suppliers to celebrate our Stretch RAP. Learn more about our RAP on our dedicated webpage.
Our vision for reconciliation is a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, opportunities and connection to Country is recognised as central to contributing to a sustainable Australia and to achieve this, we must all be #InThisTogether.
Regards,
Danny Conlon
Managing Director and CEO