Journey towards reconciliation
The Perth Mint is on a path to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge this is not an easy journey but one that we are committed to undertaking in collaboration with the traditional owners of the land.
Officially raising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags during NAIDOC week in 2021 at our historic East Perth site symbolised the beginning of our journey and followed the release of our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2020.
We know we still have a long way to go to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples but are fully committed to embedding diversity and inclusion in our culture.
Below are some of the other steps we’ve taken on the path towards reconciliation.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan sets out our commitment to delivering improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our vision for reconciliation is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contributions to be recognised and respected.
NAIDOC Week
In honour of our Indigenous friends, employees, partners and especially the Elders of our local Nyoongar community – we held special ceremonies at our sites in East Perth and the refinery to mark NAIDOC week. It was a meaningful way to build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history through storytelling, dance and bush tucker.
Indigenous coin
As part of our RAP actions, we have released two coins featuring Indigenous artwork by Whadjuk-Yuet-Ballardong artist Kevin Bynder. The Kangaroo Yongka 2023 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin was released during NAIDOC week 2023, while the Black Swan Maali 2022 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin was released for National Reconciliation Week 2022. With up to 90% of our coins exported, they will showcase Indigenous artwork to the world.
Educating tourists
As a world class tourist attraction, The Perth Mint has tens of thousands of visitors from Western Australia, interstate and around the world passing through its gates each year. We see this as an opportunity to educate the community and have therefore revised our script to include information about Indigenous culture in our tours.
Raising Indigenous flags
As part of building awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture amongst staff, we held flag raising ceremonies at our East Perth and refinery sites, signifying the start of reconciliation. We now proudly raise these flags daily, alongside the Australian flag, at both sites.
Awareness through art
Indigenous artwork is pivotal for telling the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and raising cultural awareness amongst our employees. We have therefore embraced artwork, installing a mural at the refinery and a mosaic in the East Perth courtyard where tours begin. Both feature artworks by Kevin Bynder.
Partnership and participation
We have joined Indigenous business directory Supply Nation to help us source from Indigenous-owned businesses. To increase workforce participation, we have released an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and retention strategy.
Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines how we will better acknowledge and engage with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Since its release, more than 85 per cent of staff have completed cultural awareness training to improve understanding and deepen connections.
