Meet our RAP Committee: Emma Bezzina, Senior Technical Coordinator

As a Green Star Senior Technical Coordinator, Emma understands the importance of social sustainability issues in shaping our built environment.That's why she wanted to be part of our RAP to help establish reconciliation as a talking point among our members.

     

Why did you join the GBCA RAP Committee?

Joining the GBCA RAP Committee was a case of opening my eyes up to some of the issues Indigenous Australians face in the community. I wanted to learn more about why reconciliation is important to our organisation if we are to continue demonstrating leadership in sustainability.

What was your previous experience with Indigenous Australians prior to coming on board?

I had very minimal experience with Indigenous Australians. I had some knowledge through history lessons at school and university, but I think connecting with people on a human level is where you can truly understand our similarities and celebrate our differences.

What did you hope to learn from coming on board?

To learn how Indigenous Australians, their culture and heritage can be considered at the heart sustainable placemaking.  

Can you pick one standout experience from being on the RAP Committee so far?

Aside from the launch of the GBCA RAP earlier this year, there have been many highlights, such as organising our Indigenous Dance Class with Culture Unlock and tasting Aboriginal delicacies afterwards at our bush tucker barbeque.  

How has the GBCA staff embraced the spirit of reconciliation?

The GBCA staff have embraced our reconciliation journey by supporting the Committee and launch of our RAP document, as well as also being enthusiastic about taking part in activities like the site tour of Barangaroo, where we learnt about the history of the powerful Cammeraygal woman it’s named after.

In what ways do you believe reconciliation and Indigenous engagement can provide positive impacts on the sustainable built environment?

Reconciliation and Indigenous engagement can provide positive impacts on the sustainable built environment, because we have a lot to learn from the sustainable practices of First Australians. The knowledge that has been passed through the generations around how to care for the natural environment is invaluable and we should honour this as an industry.