NVIRP understands the importance of preserving heritage sites, including recognising and respecting Aboriginal culture and heritage. NVIRP has continued to build on strong relationships with Aboriginal communities located within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.
To assist in the protection of cultural heritage, NVIRP engages Aboriginal site monitors. These monitors assist in managing the cultural heritage environment in areas where the irrigation upgrade works are taking place and ensure the protection and preservation of any cultural heritage findings such as scar trees, discarded tools and middens.
NVIRP has also engaged the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) to provide cultural awareness training for NVIRP and Managing Contractor employees, so that they could gain a greater understanding and knowledge of Australian Indigenous culture.
This on-country training provided participants with knowledge and understanding through interactive exercises that covered three key areas: ‘traditional life and questions of identity', ‘pre and post colonisation', and ‘where are we going?'
NVIRP will continue to provide opportunities for employees to participate in cultural awareness training, to build employee knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and create a company culture that respects and acknowledges Indigenous heritage, values and beliefs.
