Paphos, Cyprus
Brisbane, Australia
London, United Kingdom
Sydney, Australia
Shenzhen, China
Melbourne, Australia
New York, New York
Tokyo, Japan
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
Beijing, China
Umbria, Italy
National Reconciliation Week
As part of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2023, we are proud to share projects and stories across our Australian studios.
27 May – 3 June is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
National Reconciliation Week is bookended by two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey — the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.
The theme for NRW 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages the community to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
Be a Voice for Generations implores all Australians to utilize their influence, words, and deeds in order to foster a superior and more equitable Australia that benefits us all. Find further information on the NRW 2023 theme from Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia and on the Reconciliation website.
See our wrap up gallery below:
The Sydney (Gadigal) studio attended the Mana-Nura tour Aboriginal education program. Mana-Nura means Take Back Country in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the original inhabitants of the Sydney basin. The program includes the local history of the area from an Aboriginal perspective, identity and political history.
Rork Projects’ John Paul Janke shared the ‘Road to Referendum’ presentation to the Sydney studio. In addition to being the co-owner of Rork Projects, John Paul is the co-host of SBS NITV’s flagship Indigenous news and current affairs show ‘The Point’, host of NITV’s annual ‘Sunrise Ceremony’ and radio presenter on ABC Radio Canberra.
Adelaide (Kaurna) Studio Chair and RAP Chair Rosina Di Maria was a panel member at the Property Council of Australia’s Reconciliation Breakfast. Rosina shared insights on Woods Bagot’s Reflect RAP journey alongside panel members, Chris Menz, Chief Executive Renewal SA, Richard Hough, Operations Manager Sarah Constructions and Jack Buckskin, Founder and Director Kuma Kaaru.
An address was given by Hon Kyam Maher MLC, Australia’s first indigenous Attorney General and SA Aboriginal Affairs Minister. The powerful keynote was given by Jack Buckskin on the Aboriginal kinship system and the importance of Kaurna language. The event was attended by members of the Woods Bagot RAP Steering Committee and Working Group. The morning made space for meaningful discussions and observations on Woods Bagot’s continued journey towards reconciliation.
Artist Megan Cope presented her installation at 80 Ann Street to the Brisbane (Yuggera and Turrbal) Studio, ‘What becomes of the clouds’.
Rachel Sarra’s artwork ‘Guidance from the Stars’ was also screened throughout the building to celebrate Reconciliation Week.
“The overarching idea for me was about the sky as a form of guidance. We look to the stars often for guidance regardless of our cultural background so I thought that was a nice thread for everyone to have a place in the narrative.”
Melbourne (Naarm) noted the week with a dual screening of Carry the Flag and Voice to Parliament. Meaningful conversations were had over delicious food featuring native flavors from indigenous-owned Pawa Catering.
In addition to a screening of Reconciliation and the ‘Road to Referendum’ in the Perth (Whadjuk Nyoongar) studio, the team had the opportunity to attend events and workshops run by the WA Museum Boola Bardip. (Image courtesy The Uluru Statement.)
This Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is more than a report, it is a path that plans out W–B’s unique path to cultural competency, impactful awareness, and active contribution to reconciliation. By empowering our Australian Studio community to commit to a defined vision, the Reflect RAP explores our sphere of influence within the architectural, design and property industry – promoting opportunities for sustainable business growth, career development and economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Reflect RAP is the result of working closely with Reconciliation Australia to clearly set up the steps W–B will take to be prepared for reconciliation initiatives in successive RAPs. This commitment has allowed us to spend time developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders as we create our vision for reconciliation, and we are so proud to have received approval for the Reflect RAP from Reconciliation Australia.
To talk to Rosina Di Maria, Principal and RAP Chair about our REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan, get in touch.
Download our REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan
29 May 23
29 Sep 22
Perth, Australia
Adelaide, Australia