Master Builders Victoria (MBV) launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at an industry breakfast at the MCG today.
As the peak body for Victoria's building and construction sector, MBV has a crucial role in progressing reconciliation within our industry.
Promoting reconciliation also closely aligns with MBV's values and purpose of driving positive change and empowering people to build a better future.
This public document, which Reconciliation Australia accredited in late July, states MBV's practical, meaningful, and measurable steps to sustainably and strategically advance reconciliation.
A highlight from this morning's breakfast was a lively panel discussion comprising Denise Lovett, Chairperson of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council; Steve Jones from Kianga Group; Kinaway Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott McCartney; and Lendlease's First Nations Engagement and Participation Manager Liz Potter.
MBV CEO Rebecca Casson told the audience that the building and construction sector was one of the top employers for working-age First Nations peoples.
"MBV has continuously worked to recognise the importance of true reconciliation both for the broader Australian community and the building and construction industry," she said.
"We know that real change must occur to tackle inequality and racism and to build strong relationships between First Nations peoples and non-indigenous Australians.
"MBV aims to do its bit by contributing to advancing reconciliation internally and within our broader sector."
Ms Casson said it was fair to say that MBV was still in the early stages of its reconciliation journey but hoped its inaugural RAP would help the building and construction industry to become more culturally aware.
She said a core component of MBV's RAP was a desire to develop an industry education initiative about the importance of protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage.
"MBV aims to promote best practices and raise Victorian building and construction industry standards," Ms Casson said.
"We hope it can further increase our collective awareness of people and Country, particularly given our sector's direct effect on Country and the likely impacts of unearthing Aboriginal cultural heritage."
The MBV team was delighted to be joined by Indigenous artist and Bunurong man Adam Magennis at today's launch.
Mr Magennis, along with Meg Mundell, assisted MBV in creating its first RAP and helped to identify practices to make the organisation and the building and construction industry more culturally aware.