Traditional smoking ceremony marks start of construction for the West Camden WRP upgrade works

Sydney Water and our project delivery partner Downer | BMD came together this week to participate in a traditional smoking ceremony to help mark the start of construction for the West Camden Water Recycling Plant (WRP)Upgrade works.

The smoking ceremony was performed by Uncle Daniel Chalker from Dharawal Country. 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.

The area now known as Camden was originally at the northern edge of land belonging to the Gandangara people of the Southern Highlands, who called it Benkennie, meaning 'dry land'.

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. A special thank you to Member for Camden, Peter Sidgreaves MP for attending.