5 December 2025 – Port of Melbourne is proud to present its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reaffirming its commitment to its reconciliation journey.
Port of Melbourne’s formal commitment to its reconciliation journey commenced in November 2022, with the publication of its Reflect RAP which outlined the practical actions to support reconciliation. Since then, the Port has undertaken actions to build relationships, increase its knowledge of First Nations histories, cultures, aspirations and challenges, and create a working environment that is inclusive and supportive of cultural differences.
Today, Port of Melbourne released the Innovate RAP, which reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation and fostering respect, understanding, and inclusion. The plan outlines the actions that the Port will take in collaboration with local Registered Aboriginal Parties and surrounding First Nations communities and businesses over a two-year period from October 2025 to September 2027.
“This RAP builds on our progress to date and reaffirms our commitment to advancing reconciliation and forging pathways for the success and self-determination of First Nations peoples,” said Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Saul Cannon.
“We look forward to listening, learning, sharing and working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to deliver this plan,” he added.
As part of its reconciliation journey, Port of Melbourne is working with the Williamstown Football Club and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to raise awareness and deepen respect for First Nations peoples’ histories and cultures in the community. Funding provided by Port of Melbourne has enabled Williamstown Football Club to:
- work with local Elders to celebrate First Nations cultural heritages, histories, and customs as part of the Indigenous round of the Victorian Football League;
- engage a First Nations artist to design the warmup t-shirts that all Williamstown Football Club players wear before every game; and
- partner with local First Nations football players to extend the scope of the club’s educational outreach program with local schools to incorporate the perspectives, histories, and stories of First Nations people.
Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia said, “Commencing an Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey. Implementing an Innovate RAP signals Port of Melbourne readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes.”
Port of Melbourne’s Innovate RAP details 15 actions in its work plan to achieve outcomes that move reconciliation forward. Discover more about our Innovate RAP here.
For more information contact:
Nicole Ng
+61 427 700 844
nicole.ng@portofmelbourne.com