Our Approach
Acknowledgement of Country
ATCO in Australia acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia including Torres Strait Islander peoples. We pay respect to their cultures, Elders past and present, and in the spirit of reconciliation, we commit to working together for our shared future.
Because we provide essential energy and infrastructure services in hundreds of communities all over the world, we have a unique role to play in improving the quality of life of our customers, neighbours and Indigenous partners.
We strive to go beyond simple engagement. Instead, we focus on creating partnerships that contribute to economic and social development. Along with our Indigenous and community partners, we are pioneering new models of collaboration.
In Australia, employees and local Indigenous Elders forged a path together toward the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan documents the objectives and strategies we employ to promote understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by building respectful, trustworthy relationships, as well as educational opportunities to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity among our people.
This Reconciliation Action Plan represents the momentum, passion and enthusiasm of ATCO Employees, developed in an inclusive manner that hopefully sets the scene for authentic and inclusive implementation. ATCO thanks these Employees for embodying our ATCO values in a real and honest manner.
A cornerstone of our redeveloped Jandakot Operations Centre in Western Australia is a Contemplation Garden that features the Nyoongar six seasons. The Noongar people have lived in the south-west of Western Australia for more than 45,000 years and are one of the largest Aboriginal cultural blocks in Australia. The garden was designed by Denice Kickett, a Whadjuk Nyoongar woman, in consultation with local Elders. The area has been revegetated with native plants, while also highlights the importance of water to the Nyoongar people through a water feature. Seating around the contemplation area resembles the Wagyl, the rainbow serpent said to be the creator of the rivers, mountains and valleys as part of the Aboriginal dreamtime. Etchings in the concrete showcases local south-west Aboriginal language groups as a way to share history and culture with staff and visitors.
The ATCO Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
This Reconciliation Action Plan represents the momentum, passion and enthusiasm of ATCO Employees, developed in an inclusive manner that hopefully sets the scene for authentic and inclusive implementation.
Our Commitment
We commit to:
- Striving to understand and meet the needs and interests of the communities we serve through sincere consultation and transparent engagement;
- Engaging with governments, regulators, landowners, and Indigenous and community groups that may be affected by our operations;
- Pursuing partnerships with communities and Indigenous groups on business opportunities that deliver shared social and economic benefits, and working collaboratively to develop new infrastructure solutions;
- Where possible, developing partnerships with non-profit organizations and offering support through employee volunteer efforts, expertise and financial support; and
- Where possible, building mutually beneficial commercial relationships with local suppliers.
Tour the ATCO 6 Seasons Garden
Listen the the audio tour of the ATCO 6 Seasons Garden as Alton Walley guides you through a native garden experience.