Smoking Ceremony to mark start of construction

Sydney Water and our project delivery partner BMD came together last week to participate in a traditional smoking ceremony to help mark the start of construction for the Richmond System Wastewater Upgrade works.

The rain passed just in time for a Welcome to Country by Melissa Stubbings, Senior Dharug Woman. The Smoking Ceremony was performed by by Uncle Glenn Collis, Barkinji man and Community Elder. It is traditionally held to acknowledge the ancestors and pay respect to the land and waters of country. It welcomes, cleanses and promotes the protection and wellbeing of visitors.

Uncle Glenn, with the help of some eager participants, also led us all in a dreamtime story about how the earth was created.

Sydney Water’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) reflects our commitment to integrate the reconciliation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into our business. The smoking ceremony signals our recognition that we operate on the lands of Traditional Custodians. Our purpose to protecting waterways and the environment is consistent with the environmental stewardship the traditional owners have provided for thousands of years.

It was fantastic to be joined by so many attendees from our delivery partner, subcontractors, as well as Sydney Water staff.