Working with Traditional Owners and First Nations people

At South East Water, we recognise the enduring connection Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples have to water and Country.

We work alongside Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and First Nations communities to build respectful relationships, support self-determination and achieve shared outcomes for Country, community and future generations.

These partnerships help integrate Traditional Owner knowledge into how we care for water, wastewater and the environment, and how we make decisions.

Walking together towards reconciliation

We recognise that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, learning, listening and action.

Reconciliation Australia endorsed our first RAP in 2020 which concluded in 2022, with 82% of actions delivered. Since then, we've continued to build on this foundation through the establishment of our First Peoples team, strengthening our relationships with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities, and embedding reconciliation into the way we work.

In September 2026, we launched our second RAP, reaffirming our commitment to meaningful reconciliation, self-determination, partnership and cultural understanding.

Our RAP guides how we: 

• Build strong and respectful relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Create culturally safe and inclusive workplaces.
• Increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, procurement and career development.
• Learn from and incorporate Traditional Owner knowledge and perspectives into our work.
• Support positive outcomes for Country, community and future generations.

Learn more about our RAP