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Page last updated on 13-02-2025.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Relations
About Our RAP
The Port of Townsville began work on its first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2020.
Our Reflect RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, outlines our ambitions to forge deeper relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, identify our organisation’s vision for reconciliation and seek ways to engage and inspire others to join us on this important undertaking.
The implementation of our Reflect RAP will see us take meaningful strides towards our 30-year strategic vision to foster strong First Nations and multi-cultural relationships to celebrate the people that create the vibrant fabric of our communities.
Our RAP will help us provide opportunities for employment, business growth and cultural exchange and appreciation to meet this commitment.
About our RAP Artwork
The RAP features original artwork created by award-winning artist Robert Paul, a proud Juru man who was born in Bowen, North Queensland.
The artwork depicts the services of the Ports of Townsville and Lucinda and their connections to communities and industries in the surrounding regions, from the Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Shires on the coast and as far west to Mount Isa. The different patterns, symbols and motifs used in the artwork show the strength of the port’s networks and relationships, and importance in connecting North Queensland to the world.
Our Journey So Far
The development of our Reflect RAP has placed reconciliatory action top of mind for the members of our RAP Working Group and, as we have set about compiling this document, we have already forged new relationships and initiatives to deepen connections between our workforce and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Traditional Owner Engagement
The Port of Townsville has consulted and engaged with Traditional Owners regarding project development, environmental protection and cultural heritage matters at our ports. Projects that have referenced Traditional Owners’ cultural values include:
- Cultural Heritage Management Plan
- Channel Upgrade project
- Long Term Dredge Management Plan
- Townsville and Lucinda Land Use Plans
- Sea Claim
Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Supplier Diversity
The Port of Townsville launched its first Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Procurement Policy in 2021. In celebration, we held our first Indigenous Procurement Information Session during NAIDOC Week 2021 and partnered with local representatives from the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DSDSATSIP) (now DTATSIPCA) to engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners.
Improving Access to Community Sponsorships
In 2021, the Port of Townsville launched its inaugural $50,000 Community Fund. The Fund was designed to create equitable, streamlined access to funding for community-based initiatives that align with our values and sustainability themes. Several projects that champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and/or participation have been successful in the initial four rounds.
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Culture and Tradition
In recent years, the Port of Townsville has sought to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and tradition into important events, including:
- Inviting a Traditional Owner and traditional dance group Wulugurukaba Walkabouts to conduct a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony to mark the arrival of dredge Woomera in January 2021.
- Inviting Wulgurukaba Walkabouts to perform traditional dance for more than 900 passengers aboard the first cruise ship returning to Townsville after a three-year cruise ban due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Engaging with Blak Arts Markets and their network of stallholders to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence among stallholders at Cruise Day welcomes.