At SA Power Networks, we honour the unique and significant role that First Nations Peoples hold in our nation's history and recognise the multiple traditional owners of the lands that host the South Australian electricity network.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW), from 27 May to 3 June, invites all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is a time to learn and engage in meaningful conversations about how we can all contribute to reconciliation in Australia. 

The 2024 theme, "Now More Than Ever," underscores the ongoing journey towards justice and equality for First Nations people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous efforts towards reconciliation. 

We marked NRW by taking part in a number of events and initiatives, demonstrating our commitment to advancing reconciliation and fostering a deeper understanding within our community.  

Monday 27 May – National Reconciliation Week Breakfast  

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group was keen to take every opportunity to learn and share their findings with the organisation through our RAP journey. It was great for our people in the RAP working group to have the opportunity to learn from the speakers and all those involved with this year's National Reconciliation Week breakfast.  

With keynote addresses from Adam Briggs and performances by Dem Mob of Desert & Sea Rob Edwards, it was a solid start to NRW 2024. 

Picture: National Reconciliation Week breakfast 2024

Tuesday 28 May – First Nation insights 

We were fortunate to have two of our First Nations employees, both members of our RAP Working Group, share their personal views and experiences with us. This invaluable exchange has deepened our understanding of reconciliation, what it means to our First Nations staff and helped us continue raising awareness about First Nations culture. 

Wednesday 29 May - Staff morning tea and the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration

Our RAP Coordinator hosted a morning tea at Keswick for staff as part of NRW, showcasing a video that was developed by Uncle Mickey O’Brien about reconciliation and its importance. The video had a powerful message about the importance of reconciliation for First Nation people, the wider community and how we can work together as one.

Picture: Staff at Keswick office watch the video. 

Each year during Reconciliation Week, the Don Dunstan Foundation runs the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration, in honour of influential Aboriginal leader, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.  

SA Power Networks was proud to sponsor the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration for the third time.  

This year, the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration was delivered by Professor Tom Calma AO, who spoke on “Looking Back to Look Forward – lessons from the past to influence actions of the future “. An inspirational oration that reminded us of the importance of reflecting on our history to guide our steps towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Professor Calma’s insights and wisdom were deeply moving and will surely influence our ongoing efforts toward reconciliation. 

Thursday 28 May – Insights session  

On Thursday, staff in depots and offices from around the state were encouraged to come together for a short time to watch a short video on Reconciliation and its importance featuring Uncle Michael (Mickey) Kumatpi Marrutya O'Brien.  

More information  

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and futures.  

Learn more on the Reconciliation Australia website  

Learn more about our commitment to reconciliation