Tonkin + Taylor are proud to announce the launch of our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
In conjunction with our partner company Chadwick Geotechnics, we have joined a network of more than 2,700 organisations which have signed on to the program since its establishment in 2006.
Nicole Neal, Chief Executive Australia, commenting on our RAP: “At Tonkin + Taylor we believe that genuine sustainability in infrastructure project delivery in Australia requires a focus on the improved consideration, inclusion, and integration of First Nations people’s concerns and needs throughout the project lifecycle.
“As we begin our reconciliation journey and implement the strategies outlined in the plan, I am confident that we will not only support but also stimulate a significant increase in the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our industry, our organisation, and within our wider communities.”
Tim Chadwick, the Managing Director of Chadwick Geotechnics, said: “We must do all we can to improve the lives of First Nations peoples. Our Reflect RAP sets a wonderful foundation for us to do our part, and for us to gain a greater understanding of their cultures and extraordinary history on these lands.”
The first phase of the RAP program, called “Reflect,” allows us to spend time scoping and developing our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence.
In launching our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, we aim to:
- Build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Learn from First Nations communities about their traditional knowledge and practices
- Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our work
- Support the economic and social development of First Nations communities
We recognise that we are taking the first steps on our reconciliation journey.
We know that there is more to be done.
We will continue to listen to the voices of First Nations people and communities across Australia and work with them to develop and implement initiatives that will make a genuine difference.
