31 Jul 2026
We recently spoke to two of our RAP committee members - Jill Cooper, Human Resources Manager, and Nicola Scudamore, Senior Manager, Industry Development - about our organisation's reconciliation journey. Read on to learn how the process begins inside the GBCA and then extends beyond it, through Green Star projects, education opportunities and ongoing industry engagement.
Jill Cooper, Human Resources Manager
What does Reconciliation look like in practice today for GBCA's staff across the organisation?
For GBCA, reconciliation is increasingly becoming part of our daily conversations, and how we make decisions every day. Across the organisation, I think that shows up in different ways – from the different training we run for our team, the way we acknowledge Country at event and meetings, or how we consider how First Nations perspectives should and can be incorporated in the work we produce.
What I value most at GBCA is that reconciliation is shared responsibility across the organisation. It is not the job of a single committee or team. Whether someone works in human resources, Green Star, membership, events or communications, there are opportunities to listen, learn and contribute. Our RAP helps provide structure and accountability, but the real progress happens when our teams actively seek to engage First Nations perspectives meaningfully in the work we do.
What have you learned through your involvement in the RAP committee that has challenged or changed your perspective?
One of the biggest shifts for me has been recognising that reconciliation is not a destination as such. It's an ongoing commitment to building relationships, listening (and I mean really listening) and being willing to sit with discomfort at times.
Through the RAP committee, I've learned that good intentions are important, but they are not enough on their own. Meaningful progress requires action, accountability and an ongoing willingness to learn from First Nations voices, rather than assuming we already have the answers.
I've also gained a much deeper appreciation for how much indigenous history, culture and knowledge can shape the way we think about sustainability, community and connection to place. It has really clarified for me that reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past, but about creating better outcomes and stronger relationships for the future.
Looking ahead, what is one area where you'd like to see GBCA continue to grow or challenge itself as an employer committed to reconciliation?
As an employer, I think our challenge is to continue embedding reconciliation into the way we work, lead and make decisions in more meaningful ways. That means continuing to strengthen cultural capability across the org and looking for opportunities to learn directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
I’d love to see us help build a future where there are many more Indigenous voices at the table, not just at GBCA but across the sector. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for Country for more than 65,000 years. Their knowledge, perspectives and connection to Country are critical in shaping Australia's journey to a more sustainable future.
In my role, I am thinking about both the short and long-term actions that we can deliver that may help open more pathways for Indigenous people to build careers in our sector, whilst also ensuring we continue to listen and learn from the original Custodians of these lands.
Nicola Scudamore, Senior Manager, Industry Development
How have GBCA's courses and events evolved to better incorporate First Nation perspectives?
Over the past few years, we’ve been working to embed First Nations perspectives more intentionally across our courses and events, rather than treating them as a standalone topic. This has included partnering with First Nations speakers, practitioners and knowledge holders to share their expertise, lived experience and perspectives on Country, design, sustainability and community. We do this through our online training programs, and in major events such as TRANSFORM and Green Building Forum.
Importantly, when we explore topics such as nature, resilience and regenerative development, we seek to incorporate First Nations perspectives and knowledge systems. These perspectives are invaluable and offer direct, first-hand insights into the relationship between people, place and Country, so we can better care for the environments and communities that sustain us.
Why is it important that reconciliation is embedded not only within our organisation, but also in the knowledge and conversations we facilitate across the industry?
Education plays a powerful role in creating change. By bringing reconciliation into our courses, events and industry discussions, we can create opportunities for people to listen, learn and reflect on how their work contributes to better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.
Embedding these conversations across the industry helps move reconciliation from intention to action and ensures it remains an ongoing part of how we think about leadership, sustainability and creating places that benefit everyone.
What opportunities do you see for GBCA to help build greater understanding and action on reconciliation among members and industry stakeholders?
There is a real opportunity for us to continue creating spaces for learning, dialogue and practical action. Our members are seeking guidance on how to integrate reconciliation into projects, policies and everyday decision-making; we aim to help connect industry with knowledge, examples and voices that support that journey.
I also see an opportunity to elevate more First Nations perspectives across our programs and showcase leading practices from across the industry. By sharing stories, lessons learned and tangible examples of action, we can help build confidence and understanding while encouraging organisations to take their own next steps.