Celebrating Australian Aboriginal culture during 2022 NAIDOC Week

The Bindjareb Middars Dance Group at the renaming of our Pinjarra regional office to Bindjareb Office with Alcoa Vice President Operations – Australia Michael Gollschewski (second from top right) and Aboriginal Engagement Lead Bevan Whitby (top right).

A celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, NAIDOC Week is a time for us to reflect on Alcoa’s efforts to strengthen relationships, broaden understanding and enhance respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our business and the communities where we operate. 

Since launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) two years ago we have taken a number of significant steps including the introduction of cultural awareness training for our employees, embedding cultural awareness protocols and renaming our Pinjarra regional office in Western Australia Bindjareb Office to recognise the Bindjareb community as Traditional Owners.

New community investments and increased spend with Aboriginal owned businesses have fostered economic opportunities and we have also strengthened our knowledge base by establishing new Aboriginal Engagement Lead and Cultural Heritage Lead roles.

Outlining our commitment to the ongoing journey towards reconciliation, our second RAP will be launched in the coming months. 

But there is more to do. 

This year’s NAIDOC theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! encourages us all to achieve change by amplifying our voices and narrowing the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome. 

An array of NAIDOC Week events will occur across all of our Australian locations where people can learn more about the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.