Westpac branches proudly unveil new signs

Westpac's branch in Berrimah, Northern Territory, is the first across the country to officially unveil a permanent sign which acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which the branch stands.

Berrimah Bank Manager Leo Montemayor said the acknowledgement sign, which will also be unveiled in branches across Australia from NAIDOC Week, plays an important, symbolic role in cultivating greater recognition and respect of Indigenous culture.

"We've had an overwhelmingly positive response to the opening of our new branch, which has been designed to bring the best of banking to the Northern Territory," Leo said.  

"What made me most proud at the official launch was our celebration of Indigenous culture - in particular the unveiling of the sign to acknowledge the people of the Larrakia nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which our Branch stands, as well as a smoking ceremony.

"These cultural celebrations are central to our ambition at Westpac to create a genuinely inclusive workplace that values diversity, and supports our employees, customers and community members to achieve their full financial, career and social potential," he said.
Introducing the acknowledgement signs is one of around 50 important commitments made in Westpac Group's ambitious Reconciliation Action Plan which aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, customers and communities to prosper and grow.

Developed in consultation with Reconciliation Australia and Westpac's Indigenous Advisory Committee, the sign integrates the 'Westpac Weave' design by artist Lucy Simpson of contemporary Aboriginal design studio Gaawaa Miyay.  The design was inspired by the notion of bringing together the strands of prosperity, growth, independence, sustainability, knowledge, education and opportunity through its foundations (community).

At the unveiling event, each of the Berrimah team members sported Westpac Weave accessories in recognition of their completion of our new Indigenous Cultural Awareness training.  The scarves and ties are symbolic of their understanding of Australian Indigenous culture, and the better knowledge, skills and behaviours to connect more with Indigenous customers in their branch and community.

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