reflect reconciliation action plan - grocon · the reconciliation action plan ... captures the...

Reconciliation Action Plan

Reflect

2017–2018

“ The Grocon Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) artwork tells the story of the origins, foundation and the journey of Grocon as a company, which has made it what it is today.

The organic style of the artwork pays respect to the traditional owners past and present on whose country Grocon constructs the buildings of modern Australia. “

Illustrating Grocon’s Reconciliation Action Plan

RAP Contact InformationClare SzewczukCorporate Brand Manager GroconPhone 03 9631 8853Email [email protected]

Matthew McCabeRAP Project OfficerEmail [email protected]

Grocon acknowledges that respect of country is an important foundation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and beliefs. Respecting this, combined with Grocon’s desires and values drives philosophy has resulted in careful consideration as to how we illustrate our desire to work together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) artwork has been produced by Iscariot Media which has provided the following artists statement to illuminate the thinking that is embedded within this artwork.

Illustrating Grocon’s Reconciliation Action Plan

The illustration is a combination of different elements:

The four white circles centred within the design represent the four pillars of the Grocon Company – safety, sustainability, community and innovation. These four pillars are the foundation from which Grocon’s construction philosophy is built. They are contained within each other to demonstrate the relationship between each element to create the foundation.

The intertwined pattern beneath the four circles represents three generations of the Grollo family in Australia and their learning journey. The journey is represented organically, it captures the changing trends within the construction industry and how the company has adapted and moved with the times. This generational learning combined with the four pillars demonstrates Grocon’s construction philosophy.

The outer line represents the Traditional Country on which Grocon constructs and builds unique structures. It shows the relationship between Grocon and Traditional Owner communities and the importance Grocon places on building partnerships with Traditional Owner communities.

The outer dot pattern represents the learning journey pathway. The journey is a fluid one and has many different elements and experiences represented by the different size dots and the random path.”

“

Grocon Reconciliation Action Plan 2017–2018 | 3

A message from our CEO

I am pleased to be introducing Grocon’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. This is the start of our journey; a journey that seeks to create a meaningful platform for our organisation and members of the communities in which we operate.

It is our aim to positively contribute to the reconciliation dialogue by standing together to celebrate both the history of and future opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

There is much to be done and our first step on this journey comes with a passion which stems from initiatives that we have already implemented.

In Melbourne our highest profile initiative is our Swanston Square Apartments project which features a façade dedicated to William Barak, the last traditional ngurungaeta (chief) of the Yarra Yarra tribe, belonging to the Wurundjeri Willam clan. Swanston Square Apartments is a symbol of Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, a homage to the First Australians.

In Brisbane we commissioned Aboriginal artist Danie Mellor to create a large scale artwork that is featured in the ravine of our 480 Queen Street project.

On our Parklands Project on the Gold Coast, we have implemented an Indigenous Participation Plan where we have engaged with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to provide opportunities for employees and suppliers to work with us in order to realise the project.

However, this history and current practice is just the beginning. Now it is time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve done and what more we can do.

By implementing the Grocon Reconciliation Action Plan our organisation intends to understand how we can build better relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and rise to the challenge of working toward a reconciled Australia.

From this reflection we will chart a course to enable us to undertake practical actions to make a meaningful contribution to reconciliation in Australia.

Craig MitchellChief Executive Officer

4

A message from the CEO of Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia congratulates Grocon on the endorsement of its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will build the foundations for the relationships, respect and opportunities essential to reconciliation.

This Reflect RAP will assist Grocon to develop a solid RAP governance model and build the business case for future commitments to cultural learning, practising cultural protocols, and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment.

In its first RAP, Grocon has demonstrated a keen commitment to further develop and strengthen relationships with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations. We see this where Grocon moves to build and maintain relationships through participation in, and promotion of, community events such as National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

Commitment to showing respect and understanding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures is demonstrated in Grocons’ RAP through its actionable goal to capture data in order to measure its employees levels of knowledge regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.

Grocon’s dedication to providing opportunities and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is communicated through the actionable items in its RAP, such as its commitment to work consultatively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to inform on future employment and development opportunities.

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend Grocon on its inaugural RAP and look forward to following its reconciliation journey.

Justin MohamedChief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia


6Artwork by Danie Mellor, 480 Queen Street, Brisbane

It all began back in 1954 when our founder, Luigi Grollo put his mind to starting a humble family business with big dreams. Today Grocon is Australia’s best known privately owned construction, development and residential real estate company recognised for complex and skyline defining projects in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Grocon has a proven track record in commercial office, residential, government, social housing, health, hotels and infrastructure. What we’re really creating is a legacy. An active and evolving legacy that places people first, leads standards in our industry, develops places of real significant and delivers shared value for our clients and partners.

Some landmark projects we’ve created include the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), Crown Casino, Eureka Tower and AAMI park in Melbourne and 1 Martin Place, ANZ Tower, 5 Martin Place and 1 Bligh Street in Sydney. In Brisbane we’ve recently completed 480 Queen Street and our projects on the Gold Coast include Oracle apartments and the currently under construction Parklands Project which will be the home to the Athletes Village during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Our core values of safety, sustainability, community and innovation drive everything we do and are demonstrated in each and every project we undertake. We’re committed to upholding health and safety in our workplaces, honesty and integrity in our relationships, respect and teamwork with our peers, delivering innovative solutions to our clients and advancing a sustainable future. Not because we have to, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Our Business

Grocon employs between 150–250 people at any one time in our offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and up to 1,000 contractors on each of our projects. Our people are our most important asset and for over 65 years we’ve been creating an environment that nurtures employees, collaboration and forward thinking. We want our people to feel they can make a difference – to our business and to the world around them through the work that they do.

Through the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan, Grocon aims to positively contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

We will take practical steps to embed a culture that embraces diversity and commemorates and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people past, present and emerging.

As an organisation we will stand together to do our part in uniting our country’s modern heritage with its rich cultural past.

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

GOLD COAST

MELBOURNE


Our Reconciliation Action Plan

The development of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is the product of consultation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and stakeholders through the formation of a RAP Development Group.

The group worked with Socialab, a Supply Nation certified Indigenous business to guide our planning, facilitate discussion and to help develop and inform our actions in developing our Reflect RAP — the first for our organisation.


Our Reconciliation Action Plan

It was important that the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Development Group comprised of employees from across Grocon. This group represents our diverse organisation and includes; People and Capability, Corporate Communications, Construction and Development.

Our RAP is championed in our organisation by two Senior Executives including our CEO, Craig Mitchell and our Head of Planning and Design, David Waldren.

On the launch of this RAP, the RAP Development Group will evolve with some members forming the foundation for our RAP Working Group.

Grocon will build an internal network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations to cultivate a shared understanding of the cultural and historic significance of our country’s traditional owners, their activities and their story. We will raise awareness amongst all Grocon employees about our commitment to this RAP and foster an environment of energetic participation in reconciliation activities.

We will provide learning and development opportunities to everyone in our organisation to acquire knowledge about our cultural heritage in Australia from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Equally, we will provide for learning and development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our offices, and on our projects.

We aim to provide a meaningful legacy for everyone at Grocon by cultivating an environment of learning, diversity and respect. Across all of the states in which we operate we will provide opportunities for our employees to stand together to support reconciliation events and activities including Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week.


Grocon CEO Craig Mitchell and Luther Cora at the Parklands Project Sustainability Event

Grocon will continue to promote cultural awareness and respect cultural protocols by building upon the initiatives that we have already undertaken with our Swanston Square Apartments in Melbourne whose façade features William Barak, and on 480 Queen Street in Brisbane where Aboriginal artist Danie Mellor has created and installed a 350 square metre artwork in the ravine of the building.

We will continue to work on increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation on our Parklands Project and we will use the learnings from this project to entrench achievable participation targets on each and every one of Grocon’s projects.

Finally, we will hold ourselves accountable by reporting on our activities and communicating our achievements to encourage others to participate in reconciliation activities.

We will stand together as Australians and encourage each other and all organisations that we work with to promote a shared understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to respect the story of our land, Australia.

We will not stop here. This is the beginning of our journey. As an organisation we are committed to building upon our learnings from this, our first RAP, to establish a culture in our organisation where reconciliation is celebrated every day, by all of our people, in each of our locations.


Welcome to Country performed by Luther Cora at Parklands Project Sustainability Event

Parklands Project Gold Coast School of Construction student

Our Current Activities and Partnerships

Parklands Project Indigenous Participation Plan Gold Coast

Grocon’s Parklands Project in Southport has a dedicated focus towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation that extends beyond the core business construction, development and residential real estate.

We are committed to implementing a tailored Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP) which outlines how Grocon, its contractors and suppliers aim to:

• Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the project’s workforce;

• Increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undertaking training opportunities associated with the project; and

• Increase the proportion of goods and services that are procured for the project from Indigenous-owned businesses.

Consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is vital in providing a meaningful outcome.


Parklands Project, Gold Coast

We have been guided by our IPP Liaison Committee with local Traditional Custodian, State Government (Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships (DATSIP) and the Office of the Commonwealth Games), City of Gold Coast, Grocon staff and Yourtown Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to provide cultural advice, guidance and accountability on project initiatives.

We continue to engage with the nine recognised Traditional Owner groups, who facilitated cultural awareness workshops to project staff throughout the construction phase of the project.

Grocon has supported the following training initiatives:

• Individual training and education – through onsite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training opportunities for Certificate I in Construction with the Gold Coast School of Construction onsite training centre

• Business training and mentoring – through the development of a TAFE Queensland course exclusively for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

At time of release of publication, we have:

• 13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses on the project

• Over 70,000 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander employment hours and over 6,500 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander training hours on the project

• Celebrated traditional dates of significance including Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week

Living up to the commitments made at the Parklands Project, Grocon has commissioned independent research to benchmark social procurement in construction. This will provide an evaluation on the IPP initiatives and the impact it will have on the individuals, business and the community. A paper will be available for industry, public and the community by December 2017.


Mohammed Zahab, Security Officer, Parklands Project

Gold Coast School of Construction students

Swanston Square Apartments Melbourne

The design concept developed for the Swanston Square building was to create a symbol recognising Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and to pay homage to the Aboriginal people who have occupied this land for millennia.

The symbol adopted is a representation of an artwork created by famed Australian artist Peter Schipperheyn of William Barak who now gazes down the civic axis of Melbourne towards the post federation Shrine of Remembrance. This symbology, stands to unite the city’s modern legacy with its ancient history.

Our research of Wurundjeri history on this land led us to understand the importance of William Barak. Barak was the last of the traditional Ngurungaeta (chief) of the Yarra Yarra tribe, belonging to the Wurundjeri Willam clan.

As Ngurungaeta, Barak was both a skilled diplomat and politician and famously walked from Coranderrk to Melbourne to negotiate and fight for the social justice of his people. Towards the end of his life, Barak produced a number of intricate artworks that documented the traditions of the Wurundjeri people, to ensure that knowledge of their culture would be preserved and continued for future generations.

In recognition of the thousands of years of deep history that the Wurundjeri have in this place and the fact that the group is today a strong and proud people very much part of modern Australia, the building is a dedication to all Wurundjeri people past, present and future.

The building’s façade featuring the 85 metre high artist’s representation of William Barak is located at the northern end of the Swanston Street axis, while the Southern end of the axis terminates at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, which pays homage to our post contact history.


William Barak

Right: Swanston Square Apartments, Melbourne

Working with ARM architects and leading Australian artist Peter Schipperheyn, Grocon has used innovative technology and architectural design to figure an impression of William Barak into the balcony profile of the 30 storey structure which becomes more visible at a greater distance from the building. An early representation of the image and the proposed approach was taken to a meeting of the elders of the Wurundjeri tribe who, through their CEO, confirmed approval for the project to proceed as proposed.

Grocon acknowledges the potential sensitivities around the use of the image of a deceased Aboriginal person. The use of an image of Barak on the building’s facade required delicate and sensitive discussions with the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri People. Through these discussions we confirmed that the Wurundjeri were supportive of the use Barak’s image on the building.

Obtaining a planning permit for a building in such a prominent location and one which featured world first technological application in the balcony profiling (to create a recognisable image) was one of the key issues we needed to address during the design process. This required extensive modelling, 3D representation and animation to enable all stakeholders, particularly approval authorities, to understand what was proposed and how the building would be viewed in various parts of the city.

Embedded in the architectural details of the southern façade there is braille text that reads

“Wurundjeri, I am who I am”.

Grocon Reconciliation Action Plan 2017–2018 | 14Swanston Square Apartments, Melbourne

“ The Wurundjeri people have been custodians of this land for many millennia. We respectfully acknowledge our ancestors for their continuing presence of spirit on our traditional lands. We are proud of the suggestion by Grocon and ARM for the use of an image of William Barak on the Swanston Square building. Barak was a much respected Ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri people. His image acknowledges the past and embraces the present and future of cultures working together. ”

In March 2015 Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy said of the project:


480 Queen Street Brisbane

The stunning 350-square-metre rainforest mural was revealed to the public as part of the completion of the 33-storey tower.

The commission is based on work completed for a project and exhibition with the Edinburgh International Festival in conjunction with The National Museum of Scotland and uses Mellor’s signature palette of blue and white.

The hand drawn imagery of a natural rainforest environment and its Indigenous inhabitants has been digitally printed onto laminated glass panels and wrapped around the interior of the 480 Queen Street’s Ravine – a two-level public space that is the main link through the building between Queen and Adelaide Streets.

The commission is one of the largest of its kind for a commercial office building in Australia.

It presents a dramatic visual journey for people travelling the escalator to and from the building’s public park on level 4. The escalators draw people into Mellor’s gigantic landscape, creating a fantastic voyage into the canopy of the rainforest.

Danie Mellor said he was attracted to the commission by the quality of the building’s architecture and the potential to realise a visually dramatic interpretation of his work in such a public domain.

“It has actually exceeded my expectations - I’m thrilled that the artwork adds to and complements the amazing architecture of the building and I hope people will be uplifted when they experience the space,” he said.

The Artist – Danie MellorBorn in Mackay Queensland Danie Mellor has lived, worked travelled and studied in Australia, England, Scotland and South Africa. His work and research addresses the complex histories of Australia’s Indigenous, colonial and settler communities.

Danie Mellor is a contemporary Australian artist whose work explores themes that are critically linked to cultural histories and concepts of the landscape. His multi-award winning work is shown internationally and within Australia and is held in the permanent collections of major institutions and private collectors.

Grocon partnered with prominent Queensland-born Aboriginal artist Danie Mellor to deliver a major public art commission for Brisbane’s newest office tower at 480 Queen Street, Brisbane.


Rainforest Mural by Danie Mellor, 480 Queen Street, Brisbane

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

1. Establish a RAP Working Group 1.1 Form a RAP Working Group comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and decision-making staff from across our organisation.

March 2017 Head of Planning and Design

2. Build internal and external relationships

2.1 Develop a list of Aboriginal people, communities and organisations within our local area, project site areas and sphere of influence that we could approach to connect with and/or collaborate on our reconciliation journey.

September 2017 RAP Working Group, RAP Project Officer

2.2 Develop a list of RAP organisations and other like-minded organisations that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey.

September 2017 RAP Project Officer

2.3 Research state based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contacts and develop relationships with each. December 2017 RAP Project Officer

3. Participate in and celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW)

3.1 Identify events in our local community and share through internal communication channels. Encourage staff to attend a NRW event.

27 May – June annually RAP Project Officer, Corporate Brand Manager

3.2 Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff via intranet and other means.

27 May – 3 June Corporate Brand Manager, RAP Project Officer

3.3 RAP Working Group members participate in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. 27 May – 3 June RAP Working Group

3.4 Develop a calendar and make available on the intranet with significant dates and brief summary included. June 2017 Corporate Brand Manager

4. Raise internal awareness of our RAP

4.1 Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness amongst all Grocon staff, senior executives and Board about Grocon’s RAP commitments.

May 2017 RAP Working Group, Corporate Brand Manager

4.2 Socialise the RAP across Grocon’s business through the delivery of a roadshow presentation about the RAP. June 2017 RAP Project Officer, RAP Working Group

4.3 Engage and inform key internal stakeholders of their responsibilities for delivery of RAP actions. June 2017 RAP Champion, RAP Project Officer

4.4 Develop and implement a communications plan to inform external stakeholders about the Grocon RAP. July 2017 Corporate Brand Manager

Reconciliation Action PlanRelationships



5. Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning and development

5.1 Develop a business case for increasing awareness in our organisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.

September 2017 People and Capability, RAP Project Officer

5.2 Capture data and measure our employees’ current level of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievement.

October 2017 People and Capability, RAP Project Officer

5.3 Conduct a review of cultural awareness training needs within our organisation. November 2017 RAP Project Officer, People and Capability

5.4 Research useful content and links for our intranet regarding cultural learning and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources.

July 2017 RAP Project Officer, People and Capability

5.5 Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information and resources on our intranet and disseminate across our business and project sites.

July 2017 Corporate Brand Manager

6. Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week

6.1 Raise awareness and share information amongst our employees of the meaning of NAIDOC Week including information about the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

First week of July onwards

Corporate Brand Manager, RAP Project Officer

6.2 Introduce our employees to NAIDOC Week by promoting community events in our local area. July 2017 RAP Project Officer, Corporate Brand Manager

6.3 Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external NAIDOC Week event. First week of July, annually

RAP Working Group, RAP Project Officer

7. Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols

7.1 Explore who the Traditional Owners are of the lands and waters in our local area and project sites in the states and territories in which we operate.

July 2017 RAP Project Officer, RAP Working Group

7.2 Scope and develop a list of local Traditional Owners of the lands and waters within our organisation’s sphere of influence.

July 2017 RAP Project Officer, RAP Working Group

7.3 Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance behind Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols (including any local cultural protocols).

August 2017 Corporate Brand Manager, RAP Project Officer

8. Investigate opportunities to formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in projects

8.1 Research and identify where Grocon has recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in past projects and develop a report to identify opportunities for future projects.

November 2017 RAP Project Officer

8.2 Investigate the feasibility of incorporating Aboriginal content into our buildings, designs or premises. February 2018 RAP Working Group

8.3 Investigate holding a “Turning of the Soil” event at each new project site. December 2017 RAP Working Group

Respect



9. Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment

9.1 Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment for Grocon corporate headquarters and for specific projects using the Parklands Indigenous Participation Plan as an example (include learnings and opportunities identified).

December 2017 People and Capability

9.2 Identify current levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within Grocon’s business to inform future employment and development opportunities.

July 2017 People and Capability

9.3 Review company policies as applicable regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. February 2018 People and Capability, RAP Working Group

10. Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity

10.1 Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.

November 2017 Procurement Manager

10.2 Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. December 2017 Procurement Manager

10.3 Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders organisations around procurement. December 2017 RAP Working Group, RAP Project Officer, Procurement Manager

10.4 Investigate becoming a member of Supply Nation and a member of the First Australians Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

December 2017 RAP Project Officer


13. Build support for the RAP 13.1 Define resource needs for RAP development and implementation. May 2017 RAP Working Group

13.2 Define systems and capability needs to track, measure and report on RAP activities. July 2017 RAP Working Group, RAP Project Officer

13.3 Complete the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire and submit to Reconciliation Australia. 30 September, annually RAP Working Group, RAP Project Officer

14. Review and refresh the RAP 14.1 Review and refresh RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements. May 2018 RAP Project Officer, RAP Working Group

14.2 Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal review and endorsement. June 2018 RAP Project Officer, RAP Working Group

Opportunities

Tracking and Progress


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