Inside Hassell’s new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

Introducing our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — the second chapter in our reconciliation journey with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Our Innovate RAP, now endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, marks the next phase of Hassell’s long-term commitment to embed meaningful First Nations knowledges into the heart of our practice and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES
Over a two-year period, we’ll be meeting our core RAP commitments based on four pillars — Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance. This RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with First Nations partners, collaborators, and suppliers, engaging staff to improve cultural knowledge and understanding, and developing innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Following Hassell’s 2023 Reflect RAP, our Innovate RAP builds on the brief from Reconciliation Australia aiming for tangible change and measurable milestones that are specific to our roles as designers. Our extended commitments include:

• expanding our approach to governance and cultural awareness through initiatives such as Time to Volunteer and Design for Good
   
• ensuring that frameworks like the NSW Government Architect’s ​‘Connecting with Country’ are built into the heart of our Australian projects
   
• expanding First Nations employment including our partnership with CareerTrackers intern program 

“Our vision is a community that extends care and respect to Country,” says David Tickle, Hassell Principal and Cultural Engagement Leader. 

“By incorporating First Nations knowledges and approaches into our design thinking, we achieve better, more holistic outcomes for the communities we serve.”

DESIGNING A SHARED FUTURE
For Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri, Hassell’s RAP Working Group advisor, and founder and principal artist of Birrunga Gallery, our progress reflects a maturing practice. ​“Hassell is moving beyond participation toward a genuine partnership model,” he says. ​“It’s about creating a compassionate environment where cultural principles can thrive.”

Torres Strait Islander woman and RAP Working Group member Rachel Dunn sees the continuation of Hassell’s RAP commitments as a driver of change for future generations. ​“My hope is that this RAP creates a safe and practical space for our teams to keep learning, have meaningful conversations and take shared responsibility for acknowledging our histories and contributing to lasting, positive change.”

Hassell’s Innovate RAP was shaped through a deep, ongoing collaboration between our RAP Working Group and Birrunga Wiradyuri; we are immensely grateful for their dedication and rigorous guidance in bringing this document to life. Thee RAP features striking artwork by Kamilaroi woman Elysia Love-Anderson – an artist from Birrunga Gallery’s Cultural Creative Development Program – which serves as a visual compass for our journey ahead.

Discover more on our current initiatives and future commitments by downloading our Innovate RAP