Respect

The cultural learning strategy included in our Reconciliation Action Plan creates opportunities for employees to become familiar with the history, achievements and traditional knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Cultural awareness training 

To increase understanding, value, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Western Power has reviewed the program of cultural training made available to our employees.  

We provide continuous education in cultural awareness for cultural competency, above public sector requirements. Support is also offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees as 'bridging two worlds' training across the operational and business support areas.  

Acknowledgement of Country 

We recognise the importance of including an Acknowledgement of Country in our corporate cultural protocols and are respectful of the traditional connection to the land for elders past, present and future. By acknowledging this legacy on the places we gather and work, we’re connected to a shared future. 

Dual naming  

In recognition of the Traditional Owners and their continuous connection to the lands on which we work, we’ve implemented a dual naming project at Western Power. Under the project, the practice of dual naming new depots and Perth office meeting rooms in Aboriginal language pays respect to the ongoing custodianship of the traditional peoples of those lands.  

Find out more about our dual naming project.

Inclusion of Aboriginal artwork 

Local Indigenous artworks have been incorporated across several of our sites, carrying the meaning of place in their stories. 

Pinjarra Depot  

Artwork by Karrie-Anne Kearing-Salmon, Gloria Kearing - Mulga 

The artwork at the Pinjarra depot, Mulga ("lightning"), is painted by local artists Gloria Kearing (nee Nannup) and Karrie-Anne Kearing-Salmon. 

The Bindjareb people of the Nyungar Nation have a strong connection to nature and boodja (country). This connection to boodja and the region is proudly demonstrated in their traditional name, Bindareb, which translates to "place of swamps". 

This artwork pays tribute to the area’s animal life, the Yakka (turtle) and numerous fish species. They form an important part of the people's diet and contribute to their beliefs and culture. Frogs are pivotal to many of the Bindjareb stories as their song calls the rain, which refreshes the land and summons thunder and lightning, which is a source of power. 

The dots in the artwork depict a walking trail, and the arched hills represent the eastern border of Bindjareb country, the Darling Range. 

Honoured by all Nyungar people, the Bilya (river) is an important focal point as it sustains life.

Albany Depot | Kinjarling Pindjarri

Artwork by Errol Eades – Madjitil Boodja /Magical Country

The artwork represents the vivid colours of the Noongar season of Djilba (spring) and Koi Kyeunu-ruff (pronounced KOY KEWNU RUFF)  (Stirling Ranges), as well as the rivers in and around Albany and the spectacular colours of the flowers on Goreng and Minang boodja.

South Metro Depot | Boyli Mia (Power house)

Artworks by Bradley Kickett - Goolamrup

Goolamrup (Gool-am-RUP) is the Noongar name given to the area near Kelmscott. The artwork shows the Moorda (MORE-da) Darling Ranges and the Dyarlgarro Beeliar (Yarl-GARO BIL-ya) Canning River, and the lakes which are now known as Champion Lakes and Forrestdale Lake.

The artwork is typical of Bradley’s abstract fluid style which is from an aerial perspective and depicts the natural features this site sits upon.

Bradley’s art is influenced by his experiences of Noongar country from the oceans and rivers to the wildflowers and land. His aerial artform shows the flow and the shapes of the earth. His works are interwoven with the history and the stories shared and passed down to him from his family and Elders.

Perth Office 

Artwork by Buffie Corunna - Boordakan 

Buffie uses art as a platform for storytelling and her art is influenced by family, cultural connections, spirituality and relationships.

An Indigenous brand extension was developed from a commissioned artwork produced for us by Noongar yorga, Buffie Corunna. Installed as a large-scale mural in our Perth Office courtyard, the artwork tells a story of people and place, with chapters now spread as graphic elements on some of our vehicles, and as wearable art on lanyards and polo shirts. 

Hear the story behind the artwork Boordakan by Buffie Corunna. Buffie’s artwork forms the basis of the Indigenous brand extension. 

We provide continuous education in cultural awareness for cultural competency, above public sector requirements. Support is also offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees as 'bridging two worlds' training across the operational and business support areas.