Gilbert + Tobin continues its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation through its celebration of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

Gilbert + Tobin is hosting various events for NRW, including a bush foods tasting session, an Aboriginal cultural heritage tour of the Barangaroo Headland and a screening of two new Aboriginal documentary shorts.

Gilbert + Tobin is renowned for its support and promotion of reconciliation with Australia’s Indigenous communities and has had a formal reconciliation action plan (RAP) since 2008.

The RAP creates a framework to further develop the firm’s commitment to taking practical steps toward reconciliation through ongoing engagement with Australia’s Indigenous community. It includes a variety of initiatives, such as committing 30 percent of the firm’s pro bono work to assisting Indigenous individuals and organisations; Indigenous cultural awareness training for all staff; and an Indigenous employment program. The firm also supports Indigenous economic development by procuring products from Indigenous businesses certified by Supply Nation.

Gilbert + Tobin currently employs a number of Indigenous staff and promotes opportunities for talented Indigenous law students to gain work experience with the firm.

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Eloise Schnierer says that NRW is a significant week in the firm’s annual calendar. “Promoting reconciliation with Australia’s first peoples has been part of the fabric of G+T since its inception,” she says.

“Our vision is to see an Australian society which is just and equitable, inclusive and proud of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures and identity. One where Indigenous peoples enjoy the same access to opportunities, health and education as the rest of the Australian community. Looking forward, G+T is committed to knowledge-sharing and collaboration with other businesses seeking to increase their engagement with Indigenous employment.”

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. This year, the theme for NRW is “Let’s take the next steps”.