Acknowledgement of Country
At NGH, we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and pay our respect to Elder’s past, present and emerging. We recognise that the First Nations people of Australia have traditionally managed the resources of this land in a sustainable way, and that they are the original Custodians of the Australian environment.
We understand the importance of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the connection between First Nations peoples across Australia and the lands on which we live and work, including the lands where NGH offices are located:
Bega- Yuin
Brisbane– Turrbal & Yuggera
Canberra- Ngunnawal
Gold Coast- Yugambeh
Sydney- Gadigal
Melbourne- Wurundjeri & Boonwurrung
Newcastle- Awabakal & Worimi
Wagga Wagga- Wiradjuri
Townsville- Bindal & Wulgurukaba
Wodonga- Wiradjuri
Sunshine Coast- Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
This RAP recognises NGH’s commitment to creating an Australia in which First Nations people’s customs, culture and traditions are recognised, celebrated and respected.
As an organisation whose core values are rooted deep in the sustainable management of our resources, this RAP aims to forge closer ties to the Original Custodians of the Australian landscape whose practices in the sustainable management of this country deserve greater recognition. NGH is committed to forging stronger partnerships with First Nations peoples and this RAP forms the framework for our reconciliation journey. We will build on our knowledge and understanding to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and enhance our learning, awareness of and respect for the histories, traditions, and practices of First Nations peoples. We are excited to embark on this journey.
Ngumbudha Bagan (Love Earth)
“This painting captures the meaning and essence of NGH.
Within this piece, I have used the linework from NGH’s current branding elements, which represents a national environmental consultancy guiding Australia towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
The linked white dots are the NGH offices, located on different traditional lands of Australia.
The red, yellow, and midnight blue colours are branching upwards, which represents confidently moving in a forward direction for the health of our land, environment and our people.
The blue section represents the mountains, the sun, the night sky, daylight, homes of the animals and people all blended, living harmoniously and in balance with the rhythm of life- caring for tomorrow.
The green represents the roots of trees and plants nourished by clean water, growing strongly supporting the soil, sand holding strong and providing knowledge for us and working the land. It also represents strong alignment between Aboriginal bio cultural knowledge and practices, conservation management strategies, being harnessed for mutual benefit.”
The artist, Natalie Bateman
About the artist
Yuin Nation artist, Natalie Bateman was engaged to develop a commission piece to be displayed in NGH offices and on various printed and digital brand materials, including the NGH RAP Reflect. The piece of art is a legacy item from our recent 30th Anniversary celebrations that took place at all our offices locations in 2022. Natalie is a descendant from the NSW South Coast and engaging her felt fitting, given this is where the NGH story began.
Natalie uses line work in her paintings as this is the Yuin way of visual storytelling. Her connection to the ocean and her Country is evident throughout her art and is at the forefront of who she is. We are proud to have Natalie bring our NGH story to life using her wisdom and knowledge of her Country, the Yuin Nation.
