Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of NSW
Learn about Building Commission NSW's commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of NSW.
Acknowledgement of Country
We, Building Commission NSW, acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first peoples of this country and the traditional custodians of the skies, waters, and lands on which we live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We respect and honour their proud connection to Country, and the customs, practices and languages that define Aboriginal cultures as the oldest living cultures in the world.
Our commitment to understanding and learning
As public servants and Australian residents, we have a dual responsibility to understand and value the unique nature of these traditions and the complex history of this continent.
To do so, we appreciate the importance of truth-telling today and of ensuring we own our national history. We understand our role is to listen and learn.
We acknowledge the impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples and their resilience in the face of changes irrevocably transforming traditional ways of life and living.
As an organisation, our vision is to increase awareness among all staff of the unique traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples’, so that we may work better with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across NSW.
Through this deeper understanding and knowledge sharing, we can help deliver positive outcomes for First Nations residents across NSW and Building Commission NSW colleagues to ensure that as an organisation we nurture unity and fairness for all. And in the process enhance outcomes for our employees.
We will do this by working in partnership with First Nations stakeholders, elevating First Nations voices internally and across the sector through ongoing, respectful engagement.
Our commitment to action
Improving cultural awareness
An ongoing program of face-to-face cultural immersion workshops will be offered to all staff.
Workshop sessions will be delivered by an Aboriginal cultural educator and explore traditional First Nations culture and the long-term impact of colonial settlement across Australia on First Nations people.
Sessions will help employees understand conscious and unconscious cultural biases, and ways to achieve more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Growing First Nations procurement
Procurement opportunities will be explored with First Nations product suppliers and service providers, conducted in line with NSW Government Procurement Guidelines and Aboriginal Procurement Policies.
Providing training and development opportunities
We will work with our fellow NSW government agencies to highlight successful First Nations commitments and initiatives through internal Lunch and Learns sessions.
Each session will feature successful initiatives implemented by agencies within NSW government.
Developing a corporate social responsibility program
Mutually beneficial corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships will be explored with a range of First Nations organisations.
These relationships will be designed to build trust among First Nations communities in the Building Commission, while creating economic and employment opportunities for Indigenous individuals and businesses.
Delivering a First Nations guest speaker program
Aboriginal guest speakers will be invited to present at Building Commission events to encourage greater understanding and awareness of Aboriginal communities' residential housing needs and concerns.
Reciprocal opportunities for the Building Commissioner or senior management to speak at First Nations conferences and key events will be identified.
Growing First Nations partnerships and sponsorships
Sponsorship or participation in key Aboriginal events will be investigated to increase awareness and trust of the building regulator among Indigenous communities.
Long-term partnerships with Aboriginal housing organisations will empower organisations to understand vendor legislative requirements, ensuring compliant, safe housing for Aboriginal communities.
