Reconciliation Australia's Partnership with BHP Billiton
Promoting Success in Indigenous Governance is a BHP Billiton and Reconciliation Australia partnership to recognise, promote and improve Indigenous governance success across Australia over a four year period 2007 to 2010.
"Studies around the world and in Australia show that good governance is the key to building and sustaining healthy, prosperous communities, and we want to recognise, applaud and share those achievements."
Professor Mick Dodson, Chair, Indigenous Governance Awards
BHP Billiton has been supporting Reconciliation Australia's Good Indigenous Governance Program since 2002. This renewed partnership valued at AUS$1.4 million will see the implementation of three significant nationwide initiatives:
- Sharing Success Workshops - a series of four, two-day residential workshops involving more than 200 leaders of Indigenous organisations. Participants will be able to share knowledge and create stronger networks across sectors to improve governance practice in a way that is culturally appropriate and self-determined.
- 'Celebrating Indigenous Governance - Success Stories from the Awards' - a practical resource produced in two editions to encourage Indigenous organisations to build their capacity and learn from each other, as well as to inform government departments and others about Indigenous achievement. The booklet will profile practical governance solutions, draw on the experience of the IG Awards finalists and incorporate a 'how to' guide with innovative ideas and stories of what is working in Indigenous communities.
- Indigenous Governance Awards - a biennial scheme to recognise, promote and celebrate good Indigenous governance practice. The Awards highlight some of the good news in Indigenous Australia, and encourage organisations to invest time and energy into this important element of their work. The national winners receive $10,000 each and the highly commended winners receive $5,000 each.
The partnership initiatives will be independently evaluated over the four years to ensure they are achieving the desired results. This program brings the total investment in Reconciliation Australia by BHP Billiton to more than AUS$2 million.
In addition to the initiatives above, BHP Billiton is supporting Reconciliation Australia to strengthen its internal capacity through a dedicated professional development fund and is providing an independent partnership adviser to support the relationship. BHP Billiton is also producing its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for its Australian businesses. The RAP will not only encapsulate this partnership but also the broader work that BHP Billiton contributes to reconciliation.
"We are often being judged by the real benefits we provide to Indigenous communities and how well we help them realise their aspirations for self empowerment. There are often large sums of money concerned and it is in all our interests that it is managed effectively, transparently and with the legitimate involvement of those whose futures are at stake. This program with Reconciliation Australia makes good social and business sense to us."
Peter Rush, Manager Indigenous Affairs, BHP Billiton.