We are now in the final stages of developing our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), scheduled for public launch in April 2026. This follows the successful implementation of our Reflect RAP, launched during NAIDOC Week 2023, which helped establish the foundations for our reconciliation commitments including awareness, partnerships, procurement and employment initiatives.
A key strength of our Innovate RAP development has been the cultural guidance and practical expertise provided by the Waalitj Foundation, one of Arc’s Principal Partners.
We are immensely grateful for the cultural advice and support provided by Troy Cook, General Manager, Community Development at the Waalitj Foundation, who has agreed to join our RAP Working Group.
Troy is a respected First Nations leader, former AFL footballer and long‑time advocate for strengthening community partnerships. His guidance has helped shape our approach to relationship-building, cultural safety, and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.
In 2024, Arc Infrastructure commenced a new three-year Principal Partnership with the Waalitj Foundation, totalling $300,000. This partnership supports initiatives such as the Deadly Sista Girlz program in Halls Head, sporting equipment and cultural programs for Waalitj Boys at Clontarf Aboriginal College, and the expansion of Indigenous employment mentoring in Kalgoorlie.
The partnership also supports business capability and economic participation through the Waalitj Hub, which will be a vital collaborator for Arc in the coming year.
The Waalitj Hub is the Waalitj Foundation’s dedicated Indigenous business and employment hub, offering business coaching and capability-building services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across WA. It assists business owners with start-up support, growth planning, tendering, legal and compliance advice, marketing, and more.
The Hub also supports organisations seeking to increase Aboriginal procurement, making it an ideal partner as we source First Nations vendors for our Innovate RAP launch event, and other events throughout the year. Through the Hub, Arc is connecting with Indigenous-owned suppliers to ensure our launch reflects our procurement commitments and meaningfully supports local Aboriginal businesses.
Over the past two years, Arc has deepened its focus on reconciliation and community partnerships across the freight rail network.
Highlights include:
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Growing community relationships across WA’s regions through NAIDOC Week events and local cultural activities.
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Ongoing partnerships and contributions supporting Aboriginal students, job seekers and businesses.
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Investing in targeted programs such as the Deadly Sista Girlz and employment mentoring programs, helping create long-term social and economic opportunities for First Nations peoples.
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Strengthening supplier diversity, including onboarding several Aboriginal businesses into our supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Unwin emphasised Arc’s ongoing commitment to building respectful relationships across WA communities.
“We know strong partnerships with First Nations communities are essential to building a future that is respectful and inclusive. Our ongoing collaboration with the Waalitj Foundation reflects our commitment to forming relationships built on trust, cultural understanding and meaningful action.
“By working together, we’re not only strengthening our business, we’re also contributing to long‑term social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our network footprint," Stephanie said.
As we prepare to launch our Innovate RAP, our focus remains on expanding opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, embedding cultural learning across our workforce, and building strong, community-led partnerships.
Our collaboration with the Waalitj Foundation, and the invaluable guidance from leaders such as Troy Cook, continues to shape our reconciliation journey in meaningful ways.
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