Wheatbelt NRM is pleased to present our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are committed to improving community action regarding biodiversity and sustainable agriculture in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, one of our most vulnerable drought-affected regions.
We know that we are at the start of our reconciliation journey and that there is much more we can do: to learn about and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; to strengthen our partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the work we do; and to provide meaningful career opportunities for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.
The development of the Innovate 2023-2025 Reconciliation Action Plan demonstrates Wheatbelt NRM’s long-term commitment to celebrating Connection to Country. We do this through the publication of storybooks, dance and ongoing cultural site monitoring. We have been including the aspirations of local Aboriginal people in Natural Resource Management planning and activity since 2006 under the guidance of the Noongar Elders Advisory Group. In 2006 we developed the first Healthy Country Healthy People Plan which set out the framework for how the Ballardong People and Wheatbelt NRM work in partnership. This was revised in 2013 and again in 2021. These plans were developed in significant consultation with local Aboriginal People and aim to capture their community aspirations with respect to Natural Resource Management. These past plans and frameworks have been stepping stones that lead us to the Reconciliation Action Plan, and allow us to continue our progress to heal the land, together.
"Wheatbelt NRM and the Aboriginal community have had a strong working relationship and the RAP only cements that relationship and strengthens the bond. The RAP will be a valued document and allows the NRM staff and the Rangers to reconcile and move forward together. I would personally like to thank Wheatbelt NRM for their support of such a powerful document." - Jermaine Davis - Project Delivery Officer.
"As a ballardong/yuad maaman(man) it is both encouraging and inspiring for me to see Wheatbelt NRM in their RAP being aware of the position of Noongar people in the Wheatbelt and actively taking steps to not only engage with but share common ground on the journey to reconciliation and restoring Noongar Boodja (Country). " - Judd Stead - Noongar Boodja Ranger.
Our RAP is an important first step. We look forward to deepening our ties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities and to continue to make a positive contribution to the vision of national reconciliation.
The plan commits to actions that strengthen foundations and relationships, reflecting Wheatbelt NRM’s commitment to dynamic reconciliation outcomes, and providing further pathways for the organisation to understand and expand the role it plays across its sphere of influence.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is available to download on our Knowledge Hub, or here.