These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements and innovations across four key categories: Health Excellence, Safety Excellence, Environmental Excellence, and Community Excellence. They highlight the commitment of NSW’s mining industry to responsible practices and continuous improvement.

Port Waratah is an Award finalist in the Community category, showcasing our innovative cultural education initiative to deliver immersive In-Country experiences for our team and values our commitment to our Reconciliation Action Plan.

We are committed to shifting perspectives through the power of connection In-Country. The delivery of these experiences reshapes cultural education in our industry by immersing employees in First Nations culture in Country.

The experiences were facilitated by Cultural Educator David Newham and First Nations Elder Uncle Paul Gordon at the Hunter Region’s Mount Sugarloaf. The experience involved participating in a smoking ceremony, bush medicine walk, and experiencing different ways of teaching and philosophy through storytelling. Across 12 sessions in November and December 2024, in small groups of 20 people from a cross section of teams across Port Waratah, 70 per cent of employees participated in a local In-Country Experience. More than 240 team members connected with land, stories and traditions, moving beyond traditional training to create real impact.

The initiative, part of Port Waratah’s Reconciliation Action Plan, significantly increased cultural awareness and respect across our workforce. It has strengthened community relationships, Indigenous voices, and a culturally safe and inclusive workplace. We have found that this leading initiative supports reconciliation, enriches understanding, and truly demonstrates our deep commitment to meaningful, lasting change.

Here’s what some of the attendees had to say… 

“This was by far the most rewarding and beneficial programme I have been involved in. Programmes like this only scratch the surface but are a great start in understanding the past and moving forward in relation to Indigenous culture.” 

“This experience deepened my appreciation for Aboriginal heritage and the importance of loving and looking after our land for future generations.” 

Stephen Galilee said of this year’s award finalists, that the quality of entries and the standards of innovation, leadership and impact demonstrated this year are exceptional.

“These awards shine a light on the people and initiatives that make our industry safer, more sustainable, and more connected to our local communities. We are proud to acknowledge the dedication and ingenuity that drives these positive outcomes,” said Mr Galilee.

Port Waratah’s RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in July 2024 with the following vision: 

“Port Waratah’s vision for reconciliation is an inclusive and equitable future for all First Peoples in the communities of the Hunter Region in which we operate.
 To achieve this within Port Waratah, we commit to building relationships and promoting an inclusive culture where First Peoples’ cultures, perspectives and lived experiences are recognised, respected and valued.”