Reconciliation

Every day, our people have responsibilities that involve interacting with Country. It’s important to us that each exchange is purposeful and generating social value for Australia’s Traditional Owners.

Our work stretches across a vast geographic area, touching diverse First Nations communities from the inner city to some of the most remote parts of the nation.

This places us in a unique position to work with and learn from the wide range of expertise and knowledge that First Nation’s people and businesses have to offer. It also enables us to give back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

John Holland has developed an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan to map a pathway to walk alongside Traditional Owners to foster self-determination and economic empowerment.

A particular focus is providing employment opportunities in-house and on our projects and through our choice of subcontractors. We offer First Nations apprenticeships, scholarships, sponsorships and professional development for our people – including accredited training and on-the-job training.

Embedding culture

There’s a lot to learn from First Nations people, and much to benefit for us and the communities we serve, by listening and appreciating rich knowledge of Country from over 65,000 years as the Traditional Owners of Australia. So far, 500 of our people have completed cultural learning. We commit to increasing this and embedding greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout the business.

We work with expert First Nations businesses on our projects and provide support if they require it, to support sustainable long-term growth. In turn, we deepen our understanding of First Nations culture, land and community to ensure our projects are inclusive and culturally safe places for First Nations people. Our Reconciliation Action Plan gives more details on our tangible goals and actions.

Actions speak volumes

Education is one of the most significant ways to increase First Nations employment in our sector. It’s a foot in the door – and the first step on the career ladder. We’ve seen the difference it makes first-hand. That’s why we leapt at the chance to partner with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI) in its work to increase the voice of the Koori people in education and support Aboriginal students.

By contributing to scholarship funds and providing paid work experience, we’ve helped pave the way for success post graduation – arming students with the skills to take on the job market with a confidence that speaks volumes.

Multiplying possibility

We’re all about on-the-ground change. When the time came for the Chisholm Road Prison project, we took the opportunity to partner with the Aboriginal-owned and operated company Wamarra.

Their team of six soon expanded to a team of 26 with the positive knock-on effects that come with sustainable long-term employment. It’s a project close to our hearts. Proof that beyond bricks and mortar, our main purpose is always people-driven.

Kicking goals

When we started the Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment project, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to turn it into a training ground. A four-week program gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the skills to start a career in construction. With 100% completion rate, it was a win-win for everyone. But we didn’t stop there. Partnering with local suppliers and sub-contractors, we secured long-term employment for all the graduates. Industry mentors also lent their ongoing support. Backed by the best in the game, their future is in great hands.

Bridge to better

We believe local culture needs to be recognised and embedded into how we do business. That’s why we partnered with Traditional owners and Elders to tell the story of the Bindoo (Clyde River) at the entrances to our Batemans Bay Bridge Replacement project. This was key to creating a culturally inclusive workforce for 16 local Aboriginal community members who were transitioning into a working lifestyle during a 4-month job-ready program on the project. At the end of the program, we employed many of the group in full-time traineeships, taking them one step closer to a long- term career in the construction industry, and bringing greater cultural awareness to John Holland.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

John Holland pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples today.