Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
JWLand acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples who are the traditional custodians of the Canberra region. We pay our respects to elders, past and present, and all of Australia’s Indigenous peoples in the lands and regions in which we live and work. We acknowledge and respect the importance of continuation of culture, Indigenous contribution to building community, and commitment to closing the gap in a meaningful way.
Our commitment to Reconciliation
JWLand is proud to support diversity within our business and the communities in which we operate. In doing so, we understand and recognise that we have a responsibility to actively promote and participate in reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, who we acknowledge as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate.
As part of our commitment to reconciliation, JWLand will establish a Reconciliation Working Group. Championed by National Head ofDevelopment, Michael Prendergast, it will be made up of employees across the business, to ensure that we:
- Undertake practical engagement with First Nations People in future undertakings and work to further develop established industry and community relationships to support the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan. This includes engaging First Nations People external to JWLand to advise us on our Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Ensure that our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is endorsed at the Senior Management level, supported throughout the business and promoted in our business relationships. This includes regular reporting on the progress of our Reconciliation Action Plan deliverables.
- Continue to foster and encourage cultural awareness and training of all JWLand employees. This includes seeking advice and guidance on methods to improve our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples lands, culture, history and future.
- Look for opportunities and strategies to support increased employment and retention of First Nations People within JWLand.
- Within our Reconciliation Working Group, define and record how JWLand will grow, implement, and report on our Reconciliation Action Plan. We will seek to involve First Nations People in our Reconciliation Working Group, to advise and support the development of future Reconciliation Action Plans and initiatives.
Meet JWLand’s Reconciliation Working Group
JWLand proudly introduces our Reconciliation Working Group, a dedicated team committed to fostering inclusive and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This group aims to promote cultural understanding and awareness, ensuring that our organisation actively contributes to reconciliation efforts.
With our Reconciliation Working Group driving positive change within JWLand, we strive to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. Our commitment to econciliation is integral to our values and vision, and we look forward to making a significant impact through this important initiative.
Michael Prendergast
RECONCILIATION CHAMPION
NATIONAL HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
As the Reconciliation Champion, Michael is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan within the organisation. His role involves promoting the reconciliation Action Plan’s objectives, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Michael will work closely with all stakeholders to drive engagement, oversee progress, and report on achievements and areas for improvement. He will act as the primary spokesperson for reconciliation initiatives, advocating for sustained commitment and action across all levels of the organisation.
Don Fowler
EDUCATION, EVALUATION, AND
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
SHEQ MANAGER
Don is responsible for developing and overseeing cultural awareness and reconciliation training programs, monitor the progress and impact of the Reconciliation Action Plan and manage internal and external communications. Don will identify training needs, design and deliver customised training sessions across the business, and source appropriate training providers to enhance staff understanding of Indigenous cultures and reconciliation principles. He will develop and maintain a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework, collect data on outcomes, and produce regular reports on activities and outcomes.
Rachel Newcombe
RECONCILIATION COORDINATOR
PROJECT DIRECTOR, PRODUCT
ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Rachel manages the day-to-day operations and coordination of the Reconciliation Working Group. She will organise meetings and events, maintain and track initiative timelines, and ensure that all activities are delivered as scheduled. She will coordinate communication within the working group and across the organisation, ensuring that all JWLand team members are informed and engaged in the reconciliation process.
Our Reconciliation Indigenous Advisor & Artist
We are honoured to have Eddie Longford join us on this journey. Eddie is a proud Wiradjuri man born and raised on Ngunnawal country, he will contribute as our Cultural Advisor and Indigenous Artwork Artist for the Reconciliation Working Group.
Eddie’s extensive experience in social services and government, combined with his passion for contemporary Indigenous art, uniquely positions him to guide JWLand in achieving our reconciliation action plan goals. His artwork, characterised by a blend of traditional and non-traditional elements, embodies the essence of cultural connection and understanding. Eddie will advise JWLand on promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity, fostering meaningful relationships, and facilitating cultural awareness training with the JWLand team.
As an artist, Eddie shares his indigenous culture and knowledge of Country through his vibrant artwork that reflects the land that he grew up on that holds great significance to him and his family.
Eddie Longford
CULTURAL ADVISOR & INDIGENOUS ARTIST
As the Cultural Advisor, Eddie will provide essential guidance on cultural matters, ensuring that the Reconciliation Action Plan is culturally appropriate and respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This role involves advising on cultural protocols, facilitating cultural awareness training, and supporting the organisation in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. Eddie will ensure that the Reconciliation Action Plan incorporates Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, promoting cultural competence and sensitivity among staff. He will also play a crucial role in identifying opportunities for collaboration and engagement with Indigenous stakeholders.
