Water Dreaming Connecting Community & Country
A Sacred Duty
Our approach to Indigenous engagement is guided by the wisdom and leadership of our Indigenous Engagement Officer, Uncle John Gumbula. His perspective shapes our understanding and actions, reminding us of the profound significance of water to First Nations cultures.
"For First Nations peoples across Australia, water is sacred, it is life, lore, and connection. Water is not seen as a commodity, but as a living entity with spirit, deeply embedded in Songlines, creation stories, and cultural responsibilities passed down through countless generations. Rivers, creeks, billabongs, springs, and rain are part of an interconnected system that sustains people, plants, and animals, and maintains the balance of Country.
Water holds ceremonial significance, marking places of gathering, cleansing, and renewal. It is central to identity, belonging, and the ongoing relationship between communities and their ancestral lands and waters. Caring for water is therefore not just environmental stewardship, it is a sacred duty, ensuring the well-being of Country, culture, and future generations." - John Smith Gumbula, Indigenous Engagement Officer
Our Strategy in Action
Inspired by this understanding, Grenof's Indigenous Engagement Strategy is built on the following pillars:
• Respect and Recognition: We acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of the lands and waters where we work. We actively seek to learn from the traditional custodians and integrate their knowledge into our practices.
• Meaningful Partnerships: We are dedicated to engaging with First Nations communities in an open, honest, and collaborative manner, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in our project planning and execution.
• Creating Opportunities: We are committed to providing long-standing employment, training, and business development opportunities for First Nations peoples in the regions we operate, fostering economic empowerment and sustainable futures.
• Cultural Stewardship: We support initiatives that preserve and celebrate First Nations culture and heritage, recognising that a healthy Country is intrinsically linked to a strong culture.
Through our commitment, Grenof aims to be a trusted partner with First Nations communities, working together to care for Country and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians.
In alignment with these values, John Smith Gumbula, Cultural Ambassador, Senior Indigenous Affairs Leader, and Artist Designer, has created a striking “Water Dreaming, Connecting Community & Country” contemporary artwork.
This piece symbolises the life-giving role of water, flowing from Country to community, sustaining the people, flora, fauna, and the planet. It reflects an Indigenous cultural interpretation of water as a sacred connector of life, knowledge, and harmony.
Artist: John Smith Gumbula