CVGT Australia marks Reconciliation Week with Acknowledgement of Country plaques

CVGT Australia is marking National Reconciliation Week with the installation of Acknowledgement of Country plaques at its office locations in Victoria, News South Wales and Tasmania.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Managing Director Jason Russell said the plaques were part of the organisation’s strategic priorities and core values to build strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“We acknowledge and respect the connection and history Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have to the land and we recognise the injustices and inequities they have experienced.

“We are committed to developing our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories through reflection and positive actions.

“Last year we made our Reconciliation – Statement of Intent and we are working with Reconciliation Australia to develop our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP will inform our plans for the future and elevate the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“One of our core values is ‘Community matters’ and for us to live that value we must act as an enabler of positive change, economic prosperity and improved wellbeing.

“We need to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-design approaches to support closing the employment gap and address any access and equity issues in relation to our services.

“We are investing in research to understand the barriers to employment and trialling new and innovative approaches to providing complete employment solutions and a better experience for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients,” said Mr Russell.

A ‘Welcome to Country’ smoking ceremony to mark the installation of the Acknowledgement of Country plaque at CVGT Australia’s head office in Bendigo was planned for this week but has been postponed due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) circuit-breaker restrictions in Victoria.

Plaques at CVGT Australia’s other Victorian offices will be installed when restrictions permit. Local CVGT Australia offices will reach out to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and community members to attend the installation of the plaques.

CVGT Australia’s Acknowledgement of Country plaques have been designed by Kinya Lerrk, an Aboriginal-owned and operated business, and a member of Supply Nation, a database of Indigenous businesses.

The plaques feature a gum leaf design by Kinya Lerrk co-founders and designers Megan Van Den Berg and Emma Bamblett.