ANSTO has taken the next step in its long partnership with Indigenous Australians by launching a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to acknowledge its strong links with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley was on hand last Wednesday, February 5, to congratulate ANSTO on its efforts and progress in progressing reconciliation efforts.
A mural painted by three female indigenous students from the Strong Sister, Strong Brother program at Endeavour Sports High School was unveiled.
The artwork depicts Dharawal block art found near ANSTO. A guided bushwalk to the Dharawal site also took place on the day.
ANSTO chief executive Dr Adi Paterson said he was committed to progressing reconciliation with the Dharawal, Eora and Kulin nations.
"ANSTO will ensure our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are supported and that our Reconciliation Action Plan holds true to informing our organisational governance and processes," he said.
"We seek to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to understand stories and artefacts not only in our Lucas Heights backyard, but as far as The Kimberley and the Country of the Gunditjmara.
"The RAP is the next step on this path of mutual understanding, respect and learning.
"Most importantly, though the RAP and our other activities, we will provide opportunities for First Australians to showcase their contributions to science."
Celebrations continued two days later, with ANTSO welcoming 50 students from high schools in the area on Friday for an Indigenous Student Engagement Day to promote STEM education and careers.
Students were given an overview of ANSTO and Indigenous research programs and were presented case studies.
They also toured the Centre for Accelerator Science, and were told how ANSTO scientists use accelerators to date Australian Aboriginal rock art and establish evidence of early settlements in Australia.