Reconciliation—a shared journey
Nguluway DesignInc congratulates DesignInc Sydney on the launch of their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We proudly contributed to the development of the RAP and look forward to the continuing the reconciliation journey within our organisations, our industry and broader Australia.
Craig Kerslake, Nguluway DesignInc Director, is an advisory member of the DesignInc Sydney RAP Working Group and has been instrumental in a range of actions in the RAP. These includethe development of a Designing from Country Methodology that is being implemented across a range of DesignInc Sydney projects, and facilitating regular Cultural Sharing Workshops with the team.
The RAP commits to practical actions to strengthen relationships, create mutual respect improve the opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The four key tenets of the vision are:
to increase cultural literacy and awareness within our team;
to take a lead in creating new methodologies for embedding stories of Country into the built environment;
to connect with and provide opportunities for First Australians People through our organisation; and
to change the conversation in our industry.
A range of formal and informal initiatives outlined in the RAP. These include partnerships, collaborations, employment and mentorship programs, policies, training opportunities, events, experiences, workshops, marketing initiatives, communications, project methodologies, presentations and resources.
The RAP was launched last week, with the DesignInc Sydney and the Nguluway teams coming together to learn about the RAP and share a range of snacks inspired by bush food and native ingredients.
As a leading design firm shaping places across Sydney, regional NSW and Australia, this RAP recognises the responsibility to bring the voice of Australia’s First Nations Peoples into the creation of our built environment.
The vision is for all Australians, particularly First Australians, to have the freedom to have their voice heard and to live and work together with respect and support. We acknowledge that there are many steps, big and small, required to reach this vision. We commit to continuing our contribution to this change through our internal organisational culture as well as through partnerships and opportunities, through our approach to design, and through broader industry initiatives.
‘This is a truly inspiring RAP with meaningful actions and measurable outcomes. It is quite exciting to work with the DesiginInc team on this as the initiatives are genuine and transformative to the relationships they have with Australia's First Peoples.’
Craig Kerslake
Director, Nguluway DesignInc
Advisor, DesignInc Sydney Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group
If your organisation is interested in partnering or collaborating on any initiatives related to our collective reconciliation journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
