Port of Newcastle acknowledges the original custodians of the land on which it operates, the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. As part of its commitment to making a contribution to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the Hunter Region, Port of Newcastle is also committed to contributing to the acknowledgement, inclusion, celebration and equality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Port of Newcastle is at the start of its Reconciliation journey. In 2021, Port of Newcastle is set to deliver its “Reflect” Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will:
- provide a framework that drives the organisation’s contribution to national Reconciliation;
- honour the Port’s Integrity and Community values as well as its sustainability commitments;
- identify practical and measurable activities Port of Newcastle can undertake to develop meaningful relationships with and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
- complement the Port’s new Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
In lieu of the RAP, the Port is already implementing what it can to contribute to national Reconciliation:
- In 2020, Port of Newcastle introduced mandatory cultural training for all staff, to ensure they are aware of and understand how to engage with our Aboriginal communities.
- Also in 2020, Port of Newcastle engaged the Executive Leadership Team, and all staff in a Welcome to Country ceremony to acknowledge the Port’s heritage while celebrating coming back together after working remotely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Port of Newcastle commissioned local Aboriginal artist Sarah Fielding to design a bespoke artwork that tells the story of the Traditional Owners of the Land and the port environments. This artwork has been included on the city’s biggest “billboard”, which welcomes seafarers as they enter the channel.
- The Port has partnered with the University of Newcastle to deliver the Indigenous STEM scholarship, providing opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to access higher education and a STEM career pathway.
- Also in partnership with the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle has established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internship Program, providing further higher education and vocational training opportunities. This program will commence in 2022.
Find out more about Port of Newcastle here.
Check out Ports Australia's Ports on the map of Indigenous Australia here.
