To launch our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) we partnered with DENAT Group, a female-led First Nations business, to commission a piece of artwork to both feature on the cover of our RAP and be displayed in our office. We wanted the piece to represent our reconciliation journey and our connection to the land water and sky.
Natalie Simmons, a Proud Wiradjuri woman and accomplished artist, along with her business partner Deniz Sabuncuoglu spent significant time getting to know Energetics; our work, our people, our vision, and our role in reconciliation.
Upon the completion of the artwork, Natalie came into our head office to introduce the artwork, share her story and describe the process behind creating the artwork to our staff.
Natalie incorporated traditional symbols and storytelling elements, providing a visual narrative of reconciliation, respect, and mutual learning. Throughout the artwork, she placed significance on the connection with land, water and sky, all of which are integral to Energetics’ vision, ‘Unite for a 1.5°C world’. The artwork shows the current state of our climate, the impacts, and effects humans have had and our actions, or rather inactions, for change. Emphasis is placed on the upper-right quadrant which depicts Energetics moving in an upwards trajectory, on the right path, guided by Natalie’s ancestors along this journey. The lines and dots are multi-coloured to reflect the diverse and inclusive culture Energetics embodies.
Commenting on the event, Natalie said, "It was a refreshing experience, post referendum, to be in the room with the team at Energetics and hear what they are doing in the journey for Reconciliation. It was a great opportunity to share who I am, the business we are in and the story behind the artwork "Resilience" with the team in North Sydney and those that joined in from across Australia."
Art is an integral part of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and we're proud to display this, and future RAP artworks, in all our offices as we continue on our long journey towards reconciliation.
