Affirming its continued commitment to reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples, Yarra Valley Water has launched its second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The utility said that its Stretch RAP is built on a strong foundation of deep reflection and collaboration. It aligns with Yarra Valley Water’s strategic commitment to honour and heal Country by embracing the wisdom of First Peoples to ensure healthy lands, skies and waters to support liveability and the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Yarra Valley Water’s RAP outlines its vision for reconciliation and the actions the business will take to strengthen respectful relationships with Traditional Owners/Custodians and First Peoples across its service area.
The utility said that its vision for reconciliation is where the truth of their shared history is fully understood and accepted, and Yarra Valley Water affirmed that it will recognise the past and acknowledge the present as the foundation for building trust and respect, and honouring and healing Country.
Yarra Valley Water said that it partners with First Peoples to create opportunities for shared decision-making and support the right to self-determination. The utility said it will continue to learn from the wisdom of the Traditional Owners/Custodians and their knowledge systems, nurturing the land, waterways, and Country – and that it will honour this knowledge by integrating it into its present and future actions.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director, Pat McCafferty, said the RAP recognises and respects the enduring connection First Peoples have with land and water and includes commitments to drive reconciliation outcomes.
“The RAP supports our work with Traditional Owners to incorporate First Peoples’ cultural knowledge into future water planning and management,” he said.
Most of Yarra Valley Water’s service area is on Wurundjeri Country with some on Bunurong and Boon Wurrung Country, and the development of the RAP included open dialogue with Traditional Owners.
“Our conversation with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elders provided invaluable insights into their aspirations and challenges,” Mr McCafferty said
“We also worked with Bunurong and Boon Wurrung peoples to understand their goals and any other partnership opportunities.
“These conversations were all essential in shaping our RAP actions and ensuring they aligned with the needs of First Peoples’ communities.”
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Gail said working on the RAP had been a positive experience.
“They’ve listened, and they’ve been respectful, and there’s been unity. It’s been really inclusive.” Aunty Gail said.
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Julie Anne agreed that developing the RAP had been a productive process.
“It’s been an enjoyable experience working on it. It’s not just been a ‘tick of the box’ RAP, it’s been meaningful,” Aunty Julie Anne said.
Yarra Valley Water Senior Project Manager Reconciliation, Tamara Beck, said development of the Stretch RAP took place during a time of increased public conversation around reconciliation, truth-telling and justice.
“This reminded us why this work matters and why it must continue with courage and care,” Ms Beck said.
“Our RAP outlines the foundations of our commitment, the minimum we must do. But what I’ve seen across Yarra Valley Water is a growing willingness to go further, to lead with curiosity and to walk together with integrity.”
The RAP includes 20 actions to ensure a lasting legacy. These include:
- Ensuring that all First Peoples’ customers, can access culturally appropriate services that encompass affordability, water saving measures and tailored support to meet their needs.
- Promoting socio-economic self-determination by creating employment opportunities in the water sector, removing procurement system barriers and seeking opportunities to create new partnerships with First Peoples’ businesses.
- Actively supporting and recognising the importance of truth-telling and Treaty as a means of healing for First Peoples.
- Developing an Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) policy to ensure First Peoples retain control over the preservation and use of cultural knowledge.
Ms Beck added that taking time to pause and reflect on reconciliation has strengthened the water corporation’s reconciliation foundations to deepen impact.
“This RAP is more than a document. It reflects our shared values and the commitment of our people to do the work together. I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited to see how this next chapter turns intention into meaningful action,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water has launched two previous Reconciliation Action Plans since 2017. Its most recent RAP will be in place from 2025–28.
Read Yarra Valley Water’s full Reconciliation Action Plan at www.yvw.com.au/RAP
