Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has celebrated NAIDOC Week as the organisation prepares to launch its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

NAIDOC Week offers the building and construction industry an opportunity to learn about and participate in celebrations and activities of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.

As the peak body for Victoria's building and construction sector, MBV has a crucial role in progressing reconciliation within our industry. 

Promoting reconciliation closely aligns with MBV's values and purpose of driving positive change and empowering people to build a better future. 

The MBV team were delighted to be joined by Indigenous artist and Bunurong man Adam Magennis at its East Melbourne office today to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

Mr Magennis has assisted MBV in creating its first RAP to identify practices to make the organisation and the industry more culturally aware.

MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said it was fantastic for the wider MBV team to celebrate NAIDOC Week and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in another first for MBV.

"Working in our industry, it's essential to recognise that under the buildings, the concrete, and the asphalt, this land is - and always will be - the traditional land of the First Nations people," Ms Casson said.

"When I joined MBV, one of my first commitments was implementing a reconciliation action plan to improve our organisation's understanding of First Nations culture.

"As an organisation, we are still in the early stages of our reconciliation journey. 

"Celebrating NAIDOC Week is just one step in that journey to ensure our team is aware, understands and is respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

As part of MBV's commitment to building a culture that embraces First Nations peoples, Ms Casson said MBV's  RAP Working Group engaged the Aboriginal Consultancy Group, Wan-Yaari, to undertake cultural workshops at MBV.

"By the end of these workshops, it's hoped that all team members at MBV will have developed a better understanding, respect and awareness of First Nations people and their cultures," she said.

"At MBV, we aim to create a world where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy equal rights, treatment, and access – and are genuinely celebrated as First Nations Australians.”

Meanwhile, Ms Casson said visitors to MBV's East Melbourne office would likely notice a striking new artwork on the ground floor. 

The wood-burn artwork was created by First Nations artist Jade Kennedy of Mutti Mutti, Tatti Tatti, Waddi Waddi, and Noongar descent. 

It is a map-based artwork depicting the Traditional Owners of Country across Victoria and each area's local nations and totems. 

"We hope it can further increase our collective awareness of people and Country, particularly given our sector's direct effect on Country and potential impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage," Ms Casson said.

"In advance of the official launch of our RAP, MBV will continue to progress reconciliation by strengthening the connections that have been established with several First Nations organisations and building new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. 

"We will continue to raise awareness and champion First Nations peoples, heritage and cultures and promote best practices within our organisation and industry."