Our reconciliation commitment

Developed over the past year, ARENA’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is with Reconciliation Australia for endorsement. It sets out plans for how we will contribute to reconciliation in the communities in which we operate. Several of these actions are already underway at ARENA while our RAP is being finalised.

In August 2023, ARENA opened the $125 million Regional Microgrids Program. Recognising that electricity generation in remote First Nations communities is often heavily reliant on expensive and emissions intensive diesel, $75 million was allocated to microgrid projects in First Nations communities. The dedicated First Nations Community Microgrids Stream will be developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, First Nations renewable energy experts, and State and Territory governments. Under the program, we also announced funding to Horizon Power to trial 2 novel long-duration batteries at remote microgrids in Western Australia.

Shortlisted projects under Round One of ARENA’s Hydrogen Headstart were also assessed, in part, on how their actions and plans have engaged with First Nations communities to hear feedback and provide opportunities. We supported the production of Leading Practice Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects to improve industry practice and we are embedding its requirements into our funding agreements.

Our innovative and diverse workforce is committed to the fundamental principles of reconciliation. We are incorporating First Nations engagement and benefit sharing requirements into key program guidelines and funding agreements. We have a track record of engaging service providers from diverse backgrounds, and we have engaged First Nations panellists and advisers to our Advisory Panel and First Nations cultural advisers to help build our cultural capability.

ARENA is committed to promoting initiatives and awareness at our agency to create an inclusive and diverse workforce that is focused on the importance of reconciliation. ARENA acknowledges and celebrates events and activities to mark the struggles and achievements of First Nations peoples such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. ARENA has a Reconciliation Champion involved with applicable Departmental and internal activities.

ARENA worked with Dixon Patten Jr of Bayila Creative to create an original artwork reflecting our work and our Reconciliation journey. The final piece is called ‘Sharing Knowledge’ and will be integrated into our existing brand style guide and templates and featured throughout our offices.

Dixon Patten (Bitja) is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man with bloodlines from Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Djab Wurrung, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Wodi Wodi, Wolgal, Monaro.

Read more about the artwork and Bitja’s Narrative.

• Annual Report
• Corporate Plan
• Funding & Investment Plan
• Legislation and regulation
• Reconciliation commitment
• Submissions