Veolia's Reconciliation Action Plan

For over 10 years Veolia ANZ has been committed to partnering with and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to further our Reconciliation efforts.
Read our current RAP

Acknowledgement of Country

Veolia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters throughout Australia on which we live, work, and operate. We recognise their enduring, deep spiritual and cultural connections to the land, sea, and community. As an organisation dedicated to ecological transformation, we are committed to learning from the thousands of generations of sustainable care provided by First Nations peoples. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ancestors and Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. 
 

Cultural Disclaimer

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this webpage may contain images or content referring to deceased persons. It may also contain words or descriptions that may be deemed culturally insensitive. Whilst we take every effort to ensure we use the term Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, there may be at times instances where we use the term ‘Indigenous’ to refer to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, for example, referencing a specific program or organisation.

 

Our vision for reconciliation is a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, opportunities, and connection to Country is recognised as central to creating a sustainable Australia. 

Veolia is committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to connect, learn, and create sustainable opportunities in the communities in which we live and operate. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is informed by Reconciliation Australia's pillars, Closing the Gap targets, global frameworks, and guidance from local community partnerships. As an organisation founded on the principles of inclusivity and access to resources, our RAP closely aligns with our broader purpose of environmental, social, and economic prosperity for all.

Behind the art 

Designed by Wiradjuri artist Amy Kilby, “Legacy” is a vibrant expression of Veolia's purpose: to protect the health of our lands, waters, and communities for future generations to inherit. The meeting places and flowing pathways depicted throughout the artwork represent the importance of connection in creating resilient legacies that help to shape our shared future.


A holistic approach to reconciliation

We understand that reconciliation is a tapestry woven from multiple threads, and that there is no single issue to be remedied, but an intricate web of interconnected aspects that each need to be acknowledged and addressed to achieve meaningful change. We view reconciliation through a holistic lens, with our focus areas being education, employment, community, and business - all in alignment with Reconciliation Australia's comprehensive model. 




Education 
Moving from Safe to BRAVE through cultural truth-telling




People
Cultivating Indigenous leadership and capabilities




Community
Forging kindships and resilience through shared action




Procurement
Investing in self-determination and community legacy

Empowering through employment

Through dedicated employment and training initiatives, we're focused on breaking down existing barriers and creating new opportunities for secure employment and self-determination. 

Future Forward is a unique vocational training and mentorship program created by Veolia, which aims to pave the way for those seeking meaningful career development to gain experience and qualifications, paired with real employment opportunities. 

The Kinship Program offers a range of educational, employment, and career pathways for Indigenous women who have been through the justice system, providing them with the vital support needed to break cycles of generational disadvantage and create positive ongoing change.

Indigenous careers at Veolia

Delivering water security in Bamaga

We invite you to embark on a journey with us, exploring how Veolia collaborates with an Indigenous community in Bamaga, nestled within the Northern Peninsula area of Queensland. This partnership enables us to delve deep into the unique needs of this community and craft tailored solutions that ensure access to safe drinking water for all. 

Strengthening First Nations supply chains

Our expansive presence throughout Australia grants us the unique opportunity to source from and support local Indigenous businesses across various locations and operational needs. Investing in these businesses drives self-determination and economic independence, strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of individuals and their communities.

Veolia ANZ has contributed $52 million towards Indigenous procurement since our RAP was first established, with a further $10 million per year targeted between 2027 and 2029. Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples Procurement Policy outlines this commitment to fair and equitable procurement. 
 



Action with impact

Over 10 years of reconciliation

In 2024, Veolia ANZ celebrated 10 years of meaningful reconciliation efforts, marking a major milestone for our commitment to creating a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future. 

Explore the first 10 years of our RAP

 

North west alliance

The North West Alliance (NWA) is a 50:50 partnership between Veolia and Our Country, an Australian Aboriginal business, which operates in the Pilbara region, a remote area of Australia that has large oil, gas, and mining operations, tough weather conditions, low population, and vast distances between areas where waste is generated. The partnership was structured around the vision of collaborating with customers to minimise their environmental footprint while maximising their local impact.

Local solutions backed by global capability has been pivotal in unlocking value and is the key to our success. The NWA has been featured by Reconciliation Australia for its RAPs in Action series. Watch the video here. 

Veolia proudly sponsors Voice of Hope, a not-for-profit which offers vital services that foster well-being and connection to culture, identity, and family origins, including:

  • Cultural programs designed to strengthen ties to Aboriginal heritage and enhance sense of belonging.
  • Initiatives to address and help overcome critical issues related to recidivism, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
  • Education opportunities, vocational training, and networking resources to empower participants and enhance employability.
  • Specialised parenting support and family reunification programs.
  • Access to housing and essential utilities.
  • Access to professional counselling.

Veolia has partnered with Engineering Aid since 2013 to support their Indigenous Australian Engineering Schools program to provide Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students insights into engineering and university life. During the week-long school, participants are given the opportunity to meet engineers, take part in design wok, visit working sites and gain an understanding of the employment opportunities in the sector. Veolia provides education classes on current environmental issues and how our services and facilities support a move towards more sustainable practices. In 2019, Veolia attended both schools at Curtin University and Sydney University and provided a visit to Barangaroo water recycling and district heating and cooling operations.  Veolia has also hosted events for Engineering Aid Australia including a Thank You event for partners.



Action through partnership

Helpful resources


Reconciliation Australia is the leading body for reconciliation in Australia working to equip individuals, communities, and partners with the invaluable knowledge needed to take impactful reconciliation action.  

National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week are annual weeks of recognition aimed at sharing First Nations histories, acknowledging their experiences, celebrating reconciliation achievements to date, and exploring how to continue building collaboration and resilience together.

The Healing Foundation's video on intergenerational trauma explains how the impacts of the Stolen Generations resonate to this day, causing cycles of trauma and cultural disconnection which affect multiple generations. 

Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a First Nations voice to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution, as well as a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of truth-telling and agreement-making between government and First Nations peoples. This statement is a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and a shared vision for a better future. Explore the Uluru Statement Supporters kit to learn more about how you can amplify the voices of future generations.