Energetics acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
Working closely with Australia’s climate science community, Energetics knows the challenges our nation faces - we are already a hot, dry continent prone to extreme weather events. First Nations peoples have profound expertise and knowledge of our weather systems, the land, and its care, as well as what has changed over recent millennia.
Our vision, where we all “Unite for a 1.5°C world”, captures our belief that only in coming together can we create positive change and build the resilience we need. We strongly believe that reconciliation with First Nations peoples is essential to driving climate action and adaptation across Australia.
Our commitment to reconciliation |
| At Energetics, we envision a future where the cultures, histories, rights, and voices of First Nations Peoples are heard and respected. Following our acquisition by ERM, we are proud to align with their global commitment to reconciliation. ERM is developing its own Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in consultation with Reconciliation Australia, building on their experience with reconciliation initiatives in countries such as Canada, where they have established a Reconciliation Strategy. While we transition under ERM's RAP, Energetics remains steadfast in our dedication to reconciliation. We will continue working within our sphere of influence to empower First Nations Peoples and uphold our vision of a reconciled Australia. Reconciliation is a journey, and it is one that we are committed to pursuing. |
Deepening our understanding and developing genuine partnerships
Although we are at the beginning of our Reconciliation journey, we are dedicated to establishing mutually beneficial, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to building a greater knowledge and awareness of their connection to Country, histories, and experiences and sharing that throughout our business.
We have already launched a number of initiatives including:
- Building relationships with First Nations businesses: Currently we're partnering with DENAT Group, and are excited about the initiates we can work on together in 2025.
- Improving our people’s cultural competency: an important starting point, with all members of our RAP Steering Committee and Working Group undertaking a Cultural Competence Course provided by the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia (CCCA). This equates to almost 20% of our people.
- The creation of an online portal to provide staff with resources and information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.
- Celebration and recognition of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
- Introduction of Cultural Swapping Days policy: Drive by the desire to give our people the option of swapping the Australia Day public holiday for another day if they’re disinclined to celebrate the day. This policy has been broadened to apply to all cultural and significant holidays.
- Guidance around when we require an Acknowledgement of Country and its inclusion on digital and printed collateral: conducted at the beginning of all companywide meetings, formal training sessions, hosted events and formal presentations; and included on our website, in email signatures and in formal documents.
- Recognition of traditional place names on all digital and printed collateral where our office addresses are cited: including our website, business cards, email signatures and formal documents.
- Development of an ethics policy to guide whom we decide to work with: In our assessment criteria, “Disregard for First Nations people’s rights” is a basis for declining to work for a business.
In addition to the above, our RAP Working Group are committed to closing the knowledge gap by attending information sharing sessions; participating in community events and celebrations; sharing their learnings with the wider business; and connecting with First Nations Peoples. Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of events they’ve attended.
