The RAP will guide BG&E on its path to fostering authentic, meaningful, and measurable activities to produce social changes and to demonstrate to clients and contractors how the company pursues business with First Nation People.
As part of the RAP program, BG&E is actively reviewing our internal HR policies to identify best practices and policies related to race relations.
Our aim is to address any existing gaps in discrimination and promote a better understanding of cultural protocols within our company.
During the 2023 Financial Year, BG&E has implemented several Reconciliation initiatives:
- During Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), we celebrated our relaunched RAP with a streamed presentation at our Perth office. BG&E Board members confirmed their commitment to Reconciliation and discussed next year's plan. Sevenoaks students performed an Nyoongar language Acknowledgement of Country, traditional dances accompanied by didgeridoo music, and shared their perspectives on Reconciliation and the theme "Be a voice for Generation."
- We are currently in the process of providing cultural awareness training to all BG&E employees. The training has been completed in the Perth and Melbourne offices in 2021 and 2022 respectively. This year, the Brisbane office has completed two workshops with Mirri Mirri, a local Aboriginal provider. The Sydney office commenced their first workshop with Tribal Warrior in mid-June, with a series of four workshops to be completed by November.
- Our three-year partnership with Sevenoaks College has provided opportunities for our Perth office to connect with local Indigenous communities and businesses. We collaborate with the college to offer scholarships and work placements to year 11 and 12 students. We have also initiated discussions with the University of Western Australia School of Indigenous Studies for potential mentoring programs during the transition from college to university.
- This year, the inauguration of our new Melbourne office was commemorated with a special Welcome to Country ceremony conducted by a respected elder of the Wurundjeri people.
- The Melbourne office maintains its robust partnership with La Trobe University, expanding the program to include regional campuses and educational organizations in Shepparton, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and Mildura. Through the "Rise" initiative, scholarships, mentoring programs, and bridging courses are offered to Indigenous students, supporting their smooth transition from college to university.
- BG&E remains dedicated to fostering procurement opportunities with certified First Nation businesses operating in the engineering sector, as part of our commitment to support local suppliers. This year, we have extended our contract with Kulbardi, an Indigenous-owned and managed enterprise, to serve as our national supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE).
