Reflect RAP

An overview of our Reflect RAP

Our Reflect RAP was delivered in 2021. This RAP recognises the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their culture and their continuous connection to the lands on which we operate. 

Through the RAP pillars of respect, relationships, opportunities and governance , we have committed to specific actions to better understand the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to offer opportunities for greater economic participation. 

As of June 2024, 480 of our employees engaged in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training. 

Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses has been a priority for a number of years and in 2020-21 we spent more than $2.3 million with Indigenous businesses.

About the artwork

The colourful and intricate artwork on the cover of our Reflect RAP was created by Salena Rose Abdullah of the Tjiwarl and Noongar group.

Salena’s artwork depicts Synergy’s energy operations across Western Australia and is a timeline representation of our journey towards increased use of renewable energy.

Our journey so far

Relationships

• To support the learning and cultural capacity of our Synergy team, we held events across NAIDOC Week and we participated in a Reconciliation Walk during National Reconciliation Week. 
• Roelands Village, near Collie, was once a mission housing Aboriginal children who had been forcibly removed from their families. It is now an Indigenous cultural heritage facility offering support to Aboriginal families, disengaged young people and people with disabilities. As part of our journey towards reconciliation, we supported the installation of a 12.8 KW solar PV system enabling the village to reduce electricity costs and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. 

Respect

• From 2019, our Synergy team has participated in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training, delivered by Nyul-Nyul/Wororra woman Marilee Liddel from Optimal Personnel and Noongar Elder Dennis Simmons of Maar Koodjal. This training was delivered across the business every 4-6 weeks and continues to be offered to existing and new employees. 
• Our team has participated in On-Country walks in  Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) with Whadjuk woman Kerry-Ann Winmar of Nyungar Tours.
• We engaged with Whadjuk Noongar Elders such as Dr Noel Nannup, Robyn Collard and Dennis Simmons to offer a range of talks on culture and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
• We have engaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guests to lead cultural ceremonies as appropriate including Welcomes to Country, Smoking Ceremonies and traditional dances for significant events.

Opportunities

• In the 2020-2021 financial year, we awarded seven out of 225 contracts/purchase orders of over $50,000 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses. This represents 3.11% of total contracts, which exceeded the 3% target committed to in the Reflect RAP and provided employment and economic participation opportunities.

Governance

• We established our RAP Working Group to oversee the development and implementation of the RAP Commitments made. This RAP Working Group includes our CEO, General Manager, Power Station Manager, Operations Manager, Government Relations Officer, Health and Wellbeing Manager, Manager Employee Experience, Manager Future Workforce and Procurement Specialist.

Read our Reflect RAP

In support of the Federal Government’s Closing the Gap initiatives, through this Reflect RAP we hope to make a greater contribution to positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.