Embracing the Rainbow Serpent

The Rainbow Serpent is an important spirit animal in Aboriginal culture, representing cultural transformation, respect and sustainability.

With that foundation, the Principles and Framework for Aboriginal Engagement has been developed to inspire and enrich Transport’s collaboration with Aboriginal communities. It includes guiding principles, case studies and key contacts for the Aboriginal Engagement Team.

Like the rainbow serpent, the seven stages of the Aboriginal Engagement planning process show us how to move forward in ways that are respectful and sustainable.

Aboriginal communities provide culturally rich perspectives and insights throughout each stage of every project. Genuine engagement with the community involves listening to their ideas and concerns. It involves empathy, respect, evaluation and celebration and leads to more positive outcomes.

The Aboriginal Engagement Team provides cultural leadership to connect people and build relationships between Transport, Aboriginal stakeholders and communities. They help to deliver on our strategic objectives of transforming our First Nations people’s aspirations and priorities into reality.

With a strong foundation in identity, community and Country, the team helps transform the lives of the people we serve by giving a strong Aboriginal voice, putting customers at the centre and delivering outcomes that build trust between Aboriginal people and communities and Transport.