POLICY

MBV takes steps towards reconciliation journey

Joana Correia Policy Advisor

Reconciliation relates to strengthening and enhancing the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples to foster Australia’s more just and inclusive society. At Master Builders Victoria (MBV), we recognise the importance of reconciliation for the broader Australian community and the building and construction industry and its importance for our country’s future. As the peak body for Victoria’s building and construction sector, MBV has a key role in progressing reconciliation within our industry. Promoting reconciliation is also closely aligned with MBV’s values and purpose of driving positive change and empowering people to build a better future. Our sector is one of the largest employers in Victoria. Still, overall, the building and construction sector is also one of the top industries of employment for workingage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Real change must occur to tackle inequality and racism and build strong relationships between First Nations and non-indigenous Australians. MBV aims to contribute to advancing reconciliation internally and within our sector genuinely. As an organisation, we are still in the early stages of our reconciliation journey. Nevertheless, we have started to make real commitments toward our ambition. We are also delivering on these commitments by undertaking various initiatives to build a greater understanding, awareness and respect for First Nations peoples and cultures. The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group was established in 2021 to develop MBV’s first RAP. Two external consultants also worked on the project - Adam Magennis (Kaptify) and Meg Mundell (Hatch Productions). The result is the initial draft of what will become a public document that states MBV’s practical, meaningful, and measurable steps to sustainably and strategically advance reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia oversees and manages the Reconciliation Action Plan program, providing guidance and advice during the development stage of the RAP.

When this article was written, Reconciliation Australia was reviewing MBV’s draft RAP.

After review, feedback and revisions, the document will be tabled for official endorsement by Reconciliation Australia.

So, what’s in the RAP?

There are lots of initiatives on the way. Meanwhile, cultural awareness training for employees across our organisation and introducing an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of our meetings are just some of the small steps we have taken in the last 12 months.

Those visiting our East Melbourne office will likely notice a new artwork on the ground floor. The wood-burn artwork was created by First Nations artist Jade Kennedy (of Mutti Mutti, Tatti Tatti, Waddi Waddi, and Noongar descent). It is a map-based artwork depicting the Traditional Owners of Country across Victoria and each area’s local nations and totems.

We hope it can further increase our collective awareness of people and Country, particularly given our sector’s direct effect on Country and potential impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage. In advance of the official launch of our RAP, MBV will continue to progress reconciliation by strengthening the connections that have been established with several First Nations organisations and building new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. We will continue to raise awareness and champion First Nations peoples, heritage and cultures and promote best practices within our organisation and industry. We hope you will join us as our reconciliation journey unfolds.