Over 80 guests gathered at the Port of Brisbane’s Operations Base to celebrate and recognise National Reconciliation Week 2024 at a breakfast event hosted by Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL).
The annual event, which brings together employees and members of the port and local community, supported this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Now More Than Ever.
The event was opened by Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Kathyrn Fisher, who performed a Smoking Ceremony before Baringa Barambah Meeanjinu – a proud Turrbal and Gubbi Gubbi woman – delivered a Welcome to Country and keynote presentation, exploring this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme.
PBPL CEO, Neil Stephens, said the Port was proud to acknowledge and celebrate this important national event.
“At PBPL, we’re continuing our journey to advance reconciliation with our employees and the port and local community,” said Mr Stephens.
“Every year, National Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for us to connect and learn more about First Nations histories and culture and how we can influence and positively contribute to the reconciliation journey within our community.
“Developed last year, our ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan is guiding our work to ensure we continue to move forward by building mutually beneficial partnerships and identifying opportunities to invest responsibly in projects and initiatives that enable and empower local communities.
“We know that while we’ve made good progress, there is plenty of work to be done and opportunity ahead.”
Mr Stephens thanked Baringa Barambah Meeanjinu and Aunty Kathryn Fisher for their support at the event.
Held 27 May to June 3 annually, National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
PBPL’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is available on our website.