Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), a global leader in premium winemaking, proudly announced the launch of its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) this week. The initiative highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Celebrating Connection to Country
As an agricultural business deeply rooted in the land, TWE’s wines are a direct expression of the unique landscapes, or Country, where they are cultivated. This intrinsic connection to Country aligns with the principles of reconciliation, making the RAP a natural extension of the company’s values.
Launch events were hosted across several key locations in Australia:
- Melbourne, on the lands of the Wurundjeri people,
- Barossa Valley, on the lands of the Peramangk, Ngadjuri, and Kaurna people,
- Magill, on the lands of the Kaurna people.
These events served as platforms to acknowledge and honor the Traditional Owners of the lands while celebrating the milestone with employees and local communities.
Building on an Established Commitment
Although the Reflect RAP is a new step, TWE’s engagement with First Nations communities is not. Many of the company’s sites have spent years fostering relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
During the Melbourne launch event, RAP executive co-sponsors Kerrin Petty and Katie Hodgson facilitated panel discussions featuring members of TWE’s RAP working group. The panel included representatives from the company’s vineyards and leaders from First Nations communities, emphasizing the collaborative approach behind the RAP.
Katie Hodgson, TWE’s Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff, stated, “This plan formalizes what we’ve been working toward for many years – understanding, respecting, and learning from the communities where we operate. It’s about deepening our relationships and ensuring our actions align with our commitments.”
Marking the Launch with Art and Culture
To commemorate the launch, TWE acquired a significant artwork titled Ngura Wiru (Good Country) by South Australian artist Rosalind Tjanyari. This piece was sourced from Iwantja Arts, an Indigenous-owned and governed arts center established in the early 1980s. Based in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Iwantja Arts supports over 40 artists, fostering both artistic and professional development opportunities.
The vibrant artwork represents the connection between people, land, and culture, resonating deeply with TWE’s agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. By supporting Indigenous artists and organizations, TWE reinforces its dedication to empowering First Nations communities through economic and cultural opportunities.
A Framework for Reconciliation
The Reflect RAP sets out TWE’s strategic approach to advancing reconciliation through four key pillars:
- Relationships – Strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organizations.
- Respect – Promoting cultural awareness and understanding among TWE’s workforce and wider community.
- Opportunities – Creating pathways for First Nations peoples to engage in employment, procurement, and other economic activities.
- Governance – Ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of RAP commitments.
With over 6,000 hectares of vineyards and six wineries across Australia, TWE recognizes the importance of sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. This is particularly critical given the reliance of the wine industry on healthy ecosystems and strong community partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The RAP is an important step in TWE’s journey toward reconciliation. By integrating the principles of respect, understanding, and collaboration into its business operations, TWE aims to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable Australia.
“Our vineyards are among our most treasured assets, and the communities we work with are integral to our success,” said Kerrin Petty. “Through this plan, we’re committing to a future that honors the deep connection between land, people, and culture.”
The launch of the Reflect RAP underscores TWE’s belief that reconciliation is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to enrich the lives of all Australians. By embedding reconciliation into its operations and culture, the company continues to champion the values of inclusion, sustainability, and respect.
As TWE progresses through the Reflect RAP stage, it will focus on building internal understanding and fostering meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples, setting the foundation for future reconciliation initiatives.
