By John Wynne | 1 Jun 2017

Urbis this week embraces National Reconciliation Week, celebrating two critical milestones advancing long overdue and proper respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: the 1967 referendum and the Mabo native title decision. 

Urbis acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of lands on which we do business, and we pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We acknowledge the important contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make in creating strong and vibrant Australian communities.

12 months on from the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan, our RAP Working Group continue to devote their time to developing meaningful reconciliation actions specifically relevant to Urbis – both as a business and for every individual who works here.

We are developing meaningful reconciliation actions specifically relevant to Urbis – both as a business and for every individual who works here

We are focusing on how our unique multi-disciplinary professional skills and experience may assist in meaningfully improving the way in which indigenous lands are used and developed for the benefits of the traditional landowners.

Cultural training held in our offices has reinforced the growing knowledge and awareness of the purpose and benefits achieved through reconciliation.

A new Urbis Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocol and information portal aims to help everyone at Urbis be better informed and more confident in interactions with and communications about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters. 

Let’s take the next steps

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2017 is ‘Let’s take the next steps’: This week we reflect on what Reconciliation means and consider the next steps for everyone at Urbis to learn or contribute more to the initiatives expressed in our Reconciliation Action Plan.   

Across our offices we enjoyed catering from Indigenous caterers while hearing from guests, including Professor Mark McMillan, a Wiradjuri man from Trangie, NSW, Maroochy Barambah, the Songwoman and Law-woman of the Turrbal People – the Traditional Owners of Brisbane and representatives from the DPC’s Land Approvals and Native Title Unit. 

We also shared insights from Urbis people about projects and interactions we have with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and projects, including our Discussion Paper on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.