National Reconciliation Week activities a time to pause and reflect
SA Power Networks support the unique and important status that First Nations Peoples have in our country's history. We also acknowledge and recognise the multiple traditional owners of the lands that host the South Australian electricity network.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations and encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
NRW 2023, 27 May - 3 June, offers a great opportunity each year to advance reconciliation. We marked National Reconciliation Week by taking part in a number of events and initiatives.
Friday 26 May – National Sorry Day
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group is keen to take every opportunity to learn and share their findings with the organisation through our RAP journey. It was great for staff from our RAP Committee to have the opportunity to learn from the speakers and all those involved with this year's National Reconciliation Week breakfast.
With keynote addresses from Attorney General Kyam Maher MLC, South Australia's Commissioner for First Nations Voice Dale Agius, Reconciliation Australia’s CEO Karen Mundine as well as Reconciliation SA's Co-Chairs Helen Connolly and Jeremy Johncock, as well as performances from Dusty Feet Mob, Corey Theatre and Nancy Bates, it was a solid start to NRW 2023.
Monday 29 May - Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration
Picture: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivers the Lowitja O’Donoghue oration at Bonython Hall.
Each year during Reconciliation Week, the Don Dunstan Foundation runs the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration, in honour of influential Aboriginal leader, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.
SA Power Networks was proud to sponsor the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration for the second time, with our funds going towards bringing 93 secondary school students from across South Australia to attend the event.
This year, the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration was delivered by the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, who spoke to a full Bonython Hall crowd where tickets to the event sold out in just 40 minutes (not to mention many more watching on livestream).
Wednesday 31, morning tea and time to reflect
On Wednesday morning, staff in depots and offices from around the state were encouraged to come together for a short time to watch a couple of short videos. The video had information about National Reconciliation Week and a powerful message about the importance of reconciliation.
Picture: Staff at Elizbeth Depot and Keswick office watch the video.
Apart from the week being a valuable time to learn and reflect on our own efforts of reconciliation, the events were really valuable in informing our own journey of developing our organisational Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Learn more about National Reconciliation Week
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.