South West NRM has formally signalled its intent to take meaningful action and provide leadership to the environment sector on reconciliation, by launching its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during NAIDOC Week, 2025.
As the regional lead not-for-profit environmental organisation in the South West, demonstrating leadership in taking genuine action to work with Traditional Custodians on Country is part of our role. Embarking on the RAP journey and following official endorsement by Reconciliation Australia last week, CEO Dr Manda Page said she was pleased and proud to share the document with the community.
“Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, our RAP journey aims to provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting Traditional Custodian self-determination,” Dr Page said.
“By integrating the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with innovative environmental solutions to the biggest challenges of our time such as climate change and biodiversity decline, we can co-design a future where both the health of our environment and our community thrive, reflecting our shared journey towards reconciliation.”
In launching the document, Dr Page acknowledged the work of Noongar Artist Jodie Riley which features on the front cover and throughout.
Ms Riley described her art as: “Inspired by Boodja (land) and Moort (family and community) and a testament to the reciprocal relationship we share with the land.
“When we care for Boodja, Boodja cares for us. I incorporate Noongar symbols to depict the unity of our communities and the enduring connection between people and Country. A central element in the piece is the Karak (red-tailed black-cockatoo), our firebird, which carries rich Dreamtime stories and embodies the land’s resilience, transformation, and spirit.
“The artwork aims to honour and reflect the values of connection, care, and sustainability integral to the Noongar culture and the goals of the South West NRM.”
Guidance in development of South West NRM’s RAP was provided by independent, certified majority First Nations-owned consultancy IPS Management Consultants with graphic design by Aboriginal-led creative agency Nani Creative.
The RAP document can be viewed by visiting the below page of our website.
