National Reconciliation Week 2021

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June), a time to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, celebrate the long and diverse history of First Nations cultures, and work towards building trust and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. 

The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’, signifying the need for strong and decisive action around reconciliation.

This year, National Reconciliation Week also coincides with the 20th anniversary of Reconciliation Australia, the leading Australian body for reconciliation activities. The first official National Reconciliation Week was held in 1996 by Reconciliation Australia’s predecessor, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR), and has continued to grow in prominence and recognition ever since. 

Australia’s oil and gas community works closely with Indigenous communities, with Land Councils, Native Title holders and other relevant bodies all closely involved with operators at every stage of the approvals process. Oil and gas projects throughout Australia create socio-economic opportunities in Indigenous communities, boost training and employment, and encourage regional growth. 

Several APPEA member companies have Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) in place in association with Reconciliation Australia, including Chevron, INPEX, Woodside, KPMG, Origin, and BHP, while others engage with the community through initiatives such as youth training, fire abatement, tree plantings, sport sponsorships, scholarships, and much more. 

For more information about Reconciliation Week, head to reconciliation.org.au.