Since the time of dreaming, Koongo, place of water, Yallarm, place of shells, and its environs have been the home of our First Nations peoples — the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda nations — who are the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. 

For the past 100 years GPC has proudly worked with and alongside these nations and is committed to the reconciliation journey. 

GPC acknowledges and values the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander heritage, culture and people, and the role they play in our organisation as employees, customers and community members. 

Reconciliation Action Plan 

GPC was the first port Authority in Australia to establish a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2012. The three-year plan reinforces our commitment to improving relationships, understanding and opportunities for the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities in which we operate.  GPC’s commitment to reconciliation focuses on developing and maintaining respectful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships between all Australians. We aim to empower Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander peoples by creating a culturally safe and appropriate work environment and community, where each of us as individuals can contribute learn and grow. 

Our RAP was developed in partnership with the local Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities.  

Our STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan 

Our STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commenced in 2015, and provides a strategic plan that aims to provide real and lasting opportunities, and builds on the achievements made together for the benefit of the local and wider Australian communities. 

Four themes identified as having had the most impact over the first three years of our RAP form the base of our STRETCH RAP – strengthening relationships, fostering respect, increasing opportunities, and ensuring accountability. We are currently progressing our fourth RAP and look forward to releasing that towards the end of 2023. 

• View our 2019-2022 STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan  
• View our 2015-2018 STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan  
• View our 2012-2015 Reconciliation Action Plan  

Reconciliation Australia 

We are proud of our RAP with 1.7 million Australians now working for an organisation with a RAP in place.  

Our RAP was officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in 2012. For more information about Reconciliation Australia please visit its website. 

Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA)  

 An Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) has been established between GPC and the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) people, which is referred to as ‘GPC and First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC) Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA)’. 

This voluntary partnership ensures the responsible and respectful management of the lands and sea on which we do business to deliver sustainable and mutual prosperity. 

ILUA Funding 

A fund has been established through the ILUA to support projects and initiatives that develop, educate and enhance the community and our environment. 

Since March 2021, all funding applications have been put on hold until further notice. 

Future Directions Community Liaison Group 

Consisting of both community and GPC representatives, the Future Directions Community Liaison Group (FDCLG) was created with the intent to build sustainable partnerships with the future generation of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander leaders in Gladstone for long-term growth, prosperity and opportunity. 

The FDCLG vision is to “create opportunity in collaboration”, and as a group, strive to develop meaningful relationships between GPC and the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander community, share information and strive for positive opportunities for both GPC and the community.

Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow 

GPC is focused on recognising and supporting the talent of today, so they can emerge as the talent of tomorrow.  

Our scholarship and bursary program was established specifically for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander students. 

The bursary program acknowledges the achievements of secondary students not only encourages academic achievement and cultural awareness, but also participation, attitude and attendance. Students are awarded bursaries in recognition of their commitment and to assist with the cost of schooling. 

The Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow Scholarship is an initiative designed to support the learning journey even further, providing financial assistance of up to $21,000 over a three-year period. Find out more here.

More information

For information about any of our Indigenous Relations programs email or phone our Indigenous Affairs Team on 1800 243 GPC.