Fonterra launches Reconciliation Action Plan
Fonterra Oceania has proudly launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering a workplace that acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Reflect RAP is a foundational step in Fonterra’s reconciliation journey, aiming to enhance inclusion and respect across its Australian workplaces and communities.
Fonterra Oceania Managing Director René Dedoncker said he was deeply honoured to introduce and launch the company’s first RAP at a special event held at Fonterra’s office on Woiwurrung land.
Fonterra's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group pictured with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guests and commissioned artwork by Nakia Cadd.
“Our Reflect RAP marks a pivotal moment in our reconciliation journey,” René said.
"It is more than a commitment. It is a strategy designed to enhance our understanding of, and respect for, the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“By embedding reconciliation into the fabric of our organisation, we aspire to build meaningful, long-term relationships with First Nations communities and contribute to their social, economic, and cultural wellbeing," he said.
The plan will focus on building strong foundations through relationships, respect, and opportunities and will be implemented over the next 18 months.
“Our purpose at Fonterra is to create goodness for generations, and in order for us to deliver on our purpose, we must have a deep understanding and appreciation of the lands, waters and communities that we operate in,” René said.
“This Reflect RAP does just that. It will provide us with a framework to set our reconciliation commitments in line with our business objectives, to deliver effective outcomes and continuous progress,” he added.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine welcomed Fonterra to the RAP program, a network of more than 2,200 organisations across Australia.
“Reconciliation Australia welcomes Fonterra to the program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP,” she said.
“Congratulations, I look forward to following your reconciliation journey in the years to come,” she said.
By embedding reconciliation into the fabric of our organisation, we aspire to build meaningful, long-term relationships with First Nations communities and contribute to their social, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
Gathering to acknowledge and celebrate Reflect RAP
A launch event brought together more than 80 employees, their families, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guests on the grassed area outside Fonterra’s Richmond office.
The gathering featured a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Thane Garvey from the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Corporation, followed by an energising and moving didgeridoo performance by Ganga Giri.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a specially commissioned artwork by Nakia Cadd, a Guditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Bunitj, and Boon Wurrung woman.
Nakia's artwork, which will be displayed in all Fonterra offices and manufacturing sites across Australia, reflects the essence of Fonterra and its commitment to reconciliation.
The artwork features ten gathering circles representing the locations and communities where Fonterra operates, symbolising the company's dedication to building and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Fonterra Oceania Managing Director René Dedoncker speaking at the launch event.
Reconciliation Australia welcomes Fonterra to the program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP.
Thane Garvey from the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Corporation opened the event with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, including a didgeridoo performance by Ganga Giri.
The RAP Working Group, co-chaired by Fonterra Oceania Director, Farm Source Matt Watt and Fonterra Oceania Head of Communications Elizabeth Bardwell, played a crucial role in developing the first RAP for Fonterra.
“Our Working Group are cross-organisational volunteers who have dedicated themselves to furthering their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and supporting reconciliation efforts on behalf of Fonterra,” Elizabeth said.
"Our thanks go to the RAP Working Group for their dedication and hard work in bringing this plan to life. They should be immensely proud of their contributions, energy and passion that have shaped our journey so far,” she said.
About Fonterra’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Fonterra’s Reflect RAP will guide our approach to reconciliation and is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
The plan outlines specific actions and measurable outcomes in the areas of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance throughout 2024 and 2025.
This Reflect RAP will lay the foundations, priming our workplace for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.
You can view Fonterra’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan by clicking here.