27 May GPC Commitment to reconciliation
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) continues their commitment to reconciliation, with the footprints of their staff a symbol of the journey they are taking towards reconciliation.
Releasing their third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in late 2019, GPC continues to work towards improving relationships, understanding and opportunities for the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities in which they operate.
People, Community and Sustainability General Manger Rowen Winsor said throughout their 106-year journey, GPC had become an integral part of its communities, working alongside the Byellee, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Taribelang Bunda peoples.
“At GPC our vision for reconciliation is to ensure equality, equity and unity, where culture and heritage is recognised, respected and celebrated as a part of our shared national identity,” Ms Winsor said.
“GPC acknowledges and values Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander peoples’ histories, cultures and achievements and their contributions to our organisation as employees, customers and community members.
“National Reconciliation Week is an important annual event for all of us here at GPC, and it is a shame that we aren’t able to celebrate in our usual way this year due to social distancing requirements.
“We are making the most of the week though, and look forward to releasing a special video of our employees via our social media channels today.” National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June, is an important annual event for all Australian’s, celebrating our unique diversity and oldest continuous culture on the planet.
GPC’s Indigenous Affairs Advisor Lee-ann Dudley said National Reconciliation Week is book-ended by two significant dates that all Australians can be proud of – the anniversaries of the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo land rights decision.
“These historic dates show us that Australians have come together in the past to stand up for what’s right, building a brighter future together – like this year’s theme, we really are all in this together,” Ms Dudley said.
“With the unprecedented times that are facing us this year – our communities, the nation and the world – it is time to work together to embrace all cultures and progress forward as one people.
“At GPC we firmly believe each and every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation – I am both a proud Byellee woman and a member of the GPC team playing my part in this journey.”
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians, at the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – GPC is proud to play their part, and work towards a reconciled Australia.
