Progressing Reconciliation through Indigenous Partnerships within Australian Water Utilities

摘要

This paper explores the deep-time connections that Traditional Owner nations (the Wadawurrung, Gulidjan, and the Gadabanud) have had with 'water1 in the Corangamite catchment of Victoria. The first part of the paper describes the historical connections-forged across millennia-that the Traditional Owners have with water; so fundamental to their way-of-life in both a spiritual and cultural context. The paper also outlines a range of initiatives that Barwon Water have recently undertaken to develop stronger and more meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners. To this end, the second part of the paper highlights some current initiatives, particularly drawing on Barwon Water's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and concludes with some suggested ideas for strengthening future ties. Overall, it is hoped that this paper will be useful for other water utilities undertaking work in this area, and for informing other sectors on how to develop meaningful initiatives that-in their own small way-help contribute to wider national reconciliation efforts.