In 2021, the Inclusion & Belonging team launched a new initiative called ‘Our People Their Stories’. Each month we hear from people across our business. These are ordinary people like us, who bravely share the experiences that shaped them and the lessons they learnt which has led them to think, act and live differently.

This week we acknowledge National Reconciliation Week (NRW), an important week commemorated annually in workplaces, schools and local communities. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

We recently met Aboriginal Engagement & Participation Advisor for our Infrastructure Projects WA team, Jenna-Lee Rodney, a proud Whadjuk and Ballardong woman from Western Australia who joined Downer in April this year. It was a great opportunity to learn a bit about Jenna’s culture and gain some of her insights about NRW as a First Nations woman.

Jenna-Lee, thanks for chatting with our team. Tell us a bit about who you are and where you come from.

Kaya Wandjoo (Hello, welcome) ngang (I am) Jenna-Lee Rodney, a Whadjuk (maternal side) and Ballardong, (paternal side) Yok (woman), with boorn (blood) and moort (family) connections throughout Western Australia.

My mother’s moort (family) are traditional owners and custodians of Whadjuk Boodjar (Metropolitan Perth Country).

I am a mother, daughter, grand-daughter, sister, aunty and nanna to many through the kinship structure of First Nations peoples. I have an eight-year-old son Warak, which means ‘salmon gum tree’ in Nyoongah language. Warak is the most important person in my life.

Why is it important when meeting a First Nations person to establish where they are from?

I am always happy to meet new people especially long-lost family. This is why you will hear me say, “Who is your mob and where are you from?” I ask this to establish friendly communication, but I’m also determining if I have a cultural or family obligation to that person either through family, song lines or the kinship structure.

Why is knowing your culture and connections so important to you?

My connections are through my ancestors and old people who have come before me, who sat on this boodjar (land) for many millennia. Knowing these connections is central to my identity and culture. I come from a family with strong cultural values and my upbringing was immersed in learning about and understanding our culture.

What drives you personally?

I am passionate about social justice issues, equality and equity. I see first-hand the social exclusion many people living with disabilities and neurodiversity experience, because my son has autism. Parenthood is a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me, but it’s not about focusing on his disability. It’s about focusing on his ability and his individual strengths. I hope my passion for my family, culture and values will live on through future generations when I am no longer here.

Before Downer where did you work?

I have worked in the not-for-profit, education, job services and aged care sectors. I have also worked for the Department of Justice as well as State-wide Court and Tribunal Services.

I have been privileged to work on many projects which have enabled First Nations Peoples greater autonomy to effect social change within their communities. Some of these programs include Indigenous employment programs, Youth Pre-Sentence Opportunities (YPOP) and Supervised Treatment Intervention Regime (STIR).

A highlight for me has been presenting at the Rural Health West Conference in Perth. It was a great opportunity to talk about social justice issues, to draw attention to the many challenges that people in my community face daily.

What motivated you to join Downer?

I joined Downer because I wanted a new role in a different sector. I felt it was an opportunity to leverage my cultural knowledge and community connections, to link people from my mob and the business together to build mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships.  As an Aboriginal Engagement & Participation Advisor for Infrastructure Projects in WA, I am passionate about supporting the business to ensure it is an employer of choice for First Nations peoples.

I want to build more awareness about Downer in my community, particularly employment opportunities and professional development. I’m also keen on providing more opportunities for colleagues to engage genuinely with First Nations peoples and build relationships.

What does NRW mean to you?

The significance of NRW and what it means to me, is something I find hard to adequately express – it is that important to me. I can’t speak on behalf of all First Nations peoples, but I think reconciliation is an ongoing process that can create new beginnings for all Australians. It means constitutional recognition and a platform for First Nations peoples to have their voices heard. For me it’s about acknowledging the past and the atrocities that have occurred, in addition to acknowledging the resilience of First Nations peoples. For all Australians, learning and journeying together, irrespective of the challenges, is what strengthening relationships and reconciliation is all about.

What’s happening in your office to acknowledge NRW?

Infrastructure Projects is hosting a reconciliation morning tea at the Canningvale office on 2 June and all colleagues are welcome. We have invited the Mayor, Local First Nations community members and businesses, the NAIDOC Committee as well as Stars Foundation representatives from Cecil Andrews College.

The Welcome to Country will be performed by Whadjuk Traditional Owner, Nigel Wilkes. Bindi Bindi (butterfly) will provide catering and a beautiful cake has been created by a deadly First Nations business, Mochababy Cakery. I’m looking forward to it!

Outside of work and your family what do you do to relax?

My dreamtime creator is the Wargyl (Rainbow Serpent) who created the beautiful landscape which I call home. I enjoy walking along and sitting by the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) with my son, it makes me feel close to my old people.

I like playing darts, basketball and netball. I am a competitive person but please don’t hold that against me. I also enjoy playing chess and pool. I know some people may laugh at my team choice, but I’m a loyal Fremantle Dockers fan. When I’m not playing sport or games, I watch UFC and MMA.

Thanks Jenna-Lee we have enjoyed chatting with you! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]