Reflecting on KEY MILESTONES
This NAIDOC Week we’re reflecting on key milestones in our reconciliation journey over the past year – from launching our Reconciliation Action Plan to supporting First Nations students.
While our commitment to and understanding of the history of Australia’s First Nations people continues to grow, there are significant business milestones to celebrate.
Each year from Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s theme – in what marks 50 years of NAIDOC – is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, representing the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures.
You can get involved this NAIDOC Week by finding out what’s happening near you. Access a list of local events on the NAIDOC Week website.
CS Energy marked a significant milestone late last year with the launch of our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Launching our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reflect RAP – which outlines how we listen, learn, and build capacity to support reconciliation – was officially launched with Callide, Kogan Creek, and Brisbane teams at the November CEO Series by Darren Busine and RAP Champion and EGM Plant Operations, Leigh Amos.
We were also joined by special guest, Charlie Chambers Jnr, who created the Indigenous artwork for the RAP document.
Supporting First Nations university students
In September we were thrilled to provide two First Nations students with scholarships from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Ross Towers and Christopher Lawson from the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT were announced as the recipients of CS Energy's annual scholarships by own own Neville Hoehne (Indigenous Engagement Advisor) at an awards evening.
As part of this opportunity, Ross and Christopher also joined our RAP Working Group to offer valuable insight into pathways for First Nations students and to bring their voice to our discussions.
CS Energy will provide scholarships to four First Nations students from QUT's Oodgeroo Unit in 2024 as part of our commitment to supporting and promoting career pathways.
First Nations traineeship program
Earlier this year we welcomed two business administration trainees as part of CS Energy’s inaugural First Nations traineeship program.
Cory Dowd and Chloe McKellar joined the Brisbane office in May and will learn the administrative functions of a corporate office in line with their Certificate III and Certificate IV in Business.
Indigenous Engagement Advisor, Neville Hoehne says this experience will not only boost Cory and Chloe’s personal and professional growth, but it will strengthen their communities economically and socially.
“These traineeships will empower First Nations jobseekers by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in our workforce,” said Neville.
“Representation is important; you can’t be what you can’t see.
“First Nations traineeships are key for our Reconciliation Action Plan because they offer real job opportunity, help us connect and learn from each other, and bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together.”
During their time at CS Energy, Cory and Chloe will rotate between Plant Operations, Asset Management, Corporate Affairs, Finance, and People & Culture in six-to-eight week rotations and will be provided guidance and on-the-job training from a mentor in each team.
Onboarding First Nations businesses
Over the past year, CS Energy has onboarded new Indigenous businesses including:
- Figjam for corporate catering
- Charlie Chambers Jnr for our inaugural RAP artwork
- Garwun Services for RAP polos
- Kitja Services for scaffolding services at Kogan Creek Power Station.
We are also currently onboarding Copper Head for generators, fuel storage systems, and solar/diesel lighting, and Shaping Australia Group for civil construction, earthmoving, and concrete remediation.
The story of Connections
Following our RAP launch we were delighted to share Connections by Charlie Chambers Jnr, a piece of art commissioned by CS Energy to celebrate our journey towards reconciliation.
Connections weaves together the story of Country, the environment, our multicultural communities, and energy.
Celebrating people of different nationalities and walks of life side by side on Traditional Owners’ land, Connections represents all of us working together as a community to protect the flora and fauna that we share the land with, while continuing our business goal of providing power to communities.
Charlie Chambers Jnr is a Jarowair man from the Toowoomba, Dalby, and Bunya Mountains region, and is connected to the lands on which we operate through both sides of his family.
Re-engaging with our Traditional Custodian Groups
Earlier this year we re-engaged the Gaangalu Nation People, hosting an initial meeting and conducting a site tour of Callide Power Station to reacquaint the group with areas CS Energy are planning to develop future projects.