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Our Reconciliation Action Plan artwork

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Seeing the story threaded through the artwork

Waterways and connection to land | Daniel Evans

The intricate relationship between water and land is deeply rooted in our cultures, histories, and ecosystems.

YouTube video

Our team loved the story of the new RAP artwork written by the artist Daniel Evans of Walkabout Warrior. A heap of them gave voice to Daniel's vision in this great little video.

"Throughout history, civilisations have flourished near bodies of water, harnessing their power for transportation, agriculture, and trade. Rivers, lakes, and oceans have provided nourishment, served as routes for exploration, and shaped the development of societies. Beyond its practical uses, water holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for many communities. First Nations cultures have long recognised the sacredness of water and its vital role in traditions and ceremonies.

Water is seen as a giver of life and a symbol of purification, connecting people to their ancestral lands and fostering a sense of belonging. The health of our waterways is directly linked to the health of the land. Wetlands, estuaries, and rivers provide crucial habitats for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. They also play a vital role in regulating water cycles, filtering pollutants, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  

By fostering a deep connection to the land and water, we can cultivate a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards our natural resources. This involves promoting conservation efforts, supporting local communities that rely on water-based livelihoods, and advocating for policies that prioritise the well-being of both land and water.  

Embracing the beautiful water animals such as the turtles, stingrays and the mangroves running along our rivers providing food and homes for our water-based animals. The sky animals such as the eagle flying over the land and waters preying for food, the wallabies footprints leaves the trail of life’s journey on the sunburned land."

Progress is underway but there is still much to do

0
%
of South East Queensland has had Native Title recognised over the landscapes where Native Title persists
0
%
of South East Queensland has First Nation parties identified and recognised to lead the decisions relating to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
0
ha
0.62% (<1.0%) of South East Queensland has a fully completed archaeological survey which formally records Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
0
%
of the recorded Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites in SEQ have Cultural Heritage Management Plans in place.

Our commitment to reconciliation

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Healthy Land & Water’s comprehensive Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a practical guide to how the organisation will deliver meaningful changes across the business in support of reconciliation.

It is an action plan designed to help bring our reconciliation commitments to life. It had been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia as an "Innovation" plan.

 

Innovation, empowerment

The RAP is a major milestone in Healthy Land & Water’s journey of reconciliation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and bolstering our ability to support further empowerment of First Nation’s peoples across South East Queensland.

We’ve had a long-standing appreciation for the role of Traditional Owners in managing Country, and now have a living document detailing a comprehensive range of actions that we commit to progressing to enable increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in managing the region’s cultural landscapes.

The comprehensive range of actions is expected to lead to increased employment and investment in projects that involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities relating to issues such as fire management, wildlife protection, cultural heritage, and land restoration.

The approach from Healthy Land & Water also supports a statewide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participation Principles of Practice framework that has been cooperatively developed by all 12 Regional Natural Resource Management Groups in Queensland.

 

Our First Nations employment initiative 

An example of the proactive actions that are part of the plan include Healthy Land & Water’s commitment to hiring and contracting work to people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

We’ve put out a call inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to express their interest in working with Healthy Land & Water.

This approach will allow us to proactively engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when filling new positions or undertaking recruitment activities.

The types of roles across the business which might come up in the future include everything from administration to field work, undertaking restoration and monitoring, science, and management positions.

This initiative is one of the many practical ways the Healthy Land & Water team is demonstrating commitment to reconciliation through their values and actions.

Click here to put in an expression of Interest to Work for us

 

Commitment to reconciliation

YouTube video

Scientists and environmentalists across the country are working to help shellfish reefs recover, with hundreds of kilograms of oysters added to the Noosa River

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Healthy Land & Water 
Level 11, 240 Queen St
GPO Box 735
MEANJIN (BRISBANE) 
QLD  4001  
Australia

Healthy Land and Water Ltd
ABN 91 115 662 989

 

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