AWA launches Innovate RAP to strengthen reconciliation across the water sector
by Water Source
The Australian Water Association (AWA) has formally launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for January 2026 to January 2028, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to embedding reconciliation across the water sector.
Building on the foundations established through its Reflect RAP in 2023, the Innovate RAP 2026-2028 sets out a clear and structured pathway to deepen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, strengthen cultural capability, and create meaningful opportunities for First Peoples within the water community.
As the national peak body for Australia’s water sector, AWA represents utilities, government, industry and academia. With this broad sphere of influence, AWA recognises both its responsibility and its opportunity to help shape a more inclusive and culturally informed water future.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine said: “Implementing an Innovate RAP signals the Australian Water Association’s readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes”.
“Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey,” she said.
A shared vision for water and Country
At the heart of the Innovate RAP is a vision to co-create a water future where Traditional Knowledge, perspectives and partnerships are integral to managing Country.
The plan recognises the deep cultural, spiritual and practical connection First Peoples have with water, a stewardship that has been practiced for tens of thousands of years and continues today.
However, the RAP also acknowledges ongoing inequities in water-related outcomes, including access to safe and reliable services in some communities, participation in water governance, and representation in the sector’s workforce.
The Innovate RAP responds to these challenges through a structured framework aligned with Reconciliation Australia’s four key pillars: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.
From foundation to action
AWA’s reconciliation journey formally began with the launch of its Reflect RAP in June 2023. Since then, AWA has strengthened engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and elevated First Peoples’ voices through major sector events.
Initiatives such as Ozwater and the Voices from the Bush conference have provided culturally safe platforms to showcase Traditional Knowledge, amplify Aboriginal leadership and foster dialogue on water security in regional and remote communities.
The Innovate phase represents a shift from reflection and learning toward embedding reconciliation more deeply into AWA’s systems, policies and programs.
Embedding reconciliation across the organisation
A central focus of the Innovate RAP is strengthening relationships through genuine partnership and collaboration.
Planned actions include developing structured engagement plans with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, celebrating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, and continuing to lead the Voices from the Bush conference in partnership with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA).
Cultural learning is another key priority. The plan outlines the development of a cultural learning strategy for staff, formalised protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, and guidance to ensure respectful use and attribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Knowledge and intellectual property.
On the opportunities front, AWA has committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes through recruitment, retention and professional development strategies, alongside increasing supplier diversity through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy.
Strong governance underpins the entire plan. AWA will maintain a RAP Working Group and continue collaborating with a joint AWA–WSAA RAP Advisory Group, which includes majority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation, to guide implementation and ensure accountability.
A sector-wide commitment
Importantly, the Innovate RAP recognises that reconciliation is not a standalone initiative but must be embedded into how the Association leads, connects and influences the sector.
Through transparent reporting, senior leadership engagement and ongoing evaluation, AWA aims to ensure reconciliation becomes an enduring and measurable part of its strategic direction.
The AWA’s Strategy 2030 also clearly reflects key components of the Innovate RAP, ensuring reconciliation is embedded into how we plan and deliver our work.
By elevating First Peoples’ voices, strengthening cultural capability and fostering meaningful employment and business opportunities, AWA’s Innovate RAP signals a clear commitment to supporting a water future grounded in shared stewardship, equity and lasting reconciliation.
Interested in learning more about AWA’s reconciliation journey? Take a look at AWA’s Innovate RAP here.
