Western Power’s recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to lands, waters and communities is continuing during NAIDOC Week with an extension of its dual naming program.
“Everyone at Western Power has a role to play in reconciliation and through our Reconciliation Action Plan we’re working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to strengthen our relationships and create meaningful change,” Western Power Executive Sponsor of the Walking Together Employee Network Group (ENG) Gair Landsborough said.
Western Power maintains the State’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System, with assets, depots, and offices on Noongar, Yamatji and Wangkatha Country.
“Part of our journey towards reconciliation and a shared future, is recognising, acknowledging and respecting the rich history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their continuing connection to lands waters and communities,” Mr Landsborough said.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan includes actions to ensure we remain culturally aware and respectful in the way we operate,” he said.
“One way we’re recognising this connection is with our dual naming program, where we’ve named our new depots with Aboriginal and English names.
“As an extension of that program, and to mark NAIDOC Week 2023, we’ve renamed the 16 meeting rooms on the ground floor of our Perth office after each of the 16 Aboriginal language groups covered by our network.
“It means that every time an employee or visitor walks past one of those rooms, they’re reminded that we’re operating on Aboriginal land.
“We are now in our final year of our current Innovate RAP 2021 – 2023, with our commitment to creating connections foundational in all its operations.”
Over the past financial year, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees has increased by 60 per cent, and 10 per cent of this year’s intake of 51 apprentices are young people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
Western Power also has partnerships with the Waalitj Foundation and Clontarf Foundation, targeting future-talent through entry-level pathway positions.
