National Reconciliation Week (NRW) brings people across Australia together to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements – providing time to explore how we can individually and collectively contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Held annually between 27 May and 3 June, NRW acknowledges and commemorates the anniversary of two significant milestones – the successful 1967 referendum that gave recognition to First Nations people in our national census and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision which helped pave the way for land rights and Native Title.

Making a positive impact towards reconciliation

For A.G. Coombs, marking and celebrating National Reconciliation Week is just one part of its ongoing commitment to fulfilling its “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan, to ensure that as a group of companies, we are reinforcing and extending our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to increase respect, understanding and meaningful collaboration.

A.G. Coombs hosted a special NRW morning tea event at its Moorabbin head office on the final day of National Reconciliation Week – 3 June.

Joining A.G. Coombs staff, Group Board Chair Murray Coleman and Managing Director Russell Telford at the event were Board member and Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Kerry Ryan; Social Procurement, Inclusion & Engagement Leader, Aaron Clark; and A.G. Coombs Cultural Ambassador Shane Edwards.

A.G. Coombs’ NRW morning tea in Moorabbin was one of many NRW activities at different A.G. Coombs sites across Australia, plus several NRW event collaborations with like-minded A.G. Coombs clients including:

• Reconciliation Morning Tea at Spring Place with ISPT and CBRE in Melbourne’s CBD.
• NRW Workshop at Griffith University in Queensland.
• On Country with Wildflower at Sydney Airport.

Strengthening relationships and progressing our reconciliation action plan

“As Australia’s Leading Building Services Specialist, our relationships with the communities we engage and support through our day-to-day operations is very important. Through our corporate social responsibility efforts, including furthering the objectives outlined in our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we continue to strengthen these relationships,” commented Russell.

“This year’s National Reconciliation Theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the pursuit for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people needs to continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation,” he added.

Sharing the day with our collaborative partners and guests

Special guests at the Moorabbin A.G. Coombs NRW Morning Tea included Melbourne Indigenous Transition School’s Edward Tudor and Shannon Preddy; First Peoples’ Health & Wellbeing representatives Karinda Taylor, Isabelle Howard and Kate Brocher; Kinaway Chamber of Commerce’s Jake Long and Alex Martin; and the Korin Gamadji Institute’s Brady Cooper and Sam Bice.

The event featured Boonwurrung Traditional Owner, Steve Ulula Parker, who conducted a “welcome to country” smoking ceremony; a performance by Cairns-based Yarrabah Dance Group; selected indigenous-inspired clothing by Yilay; and native fusion foods by PAWA Catering.

For more information about A.G. Coombs and our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, visit our website or contact Aaron Clark, Executive Leader – Social Procurement, Inclusion & Engagement on 03 9248 2700.