Proudly supporting National Reconciliation Week 2025

Running from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is a significant event on GESB’s observance calendar.

At GESB, we want all our members to be treated fairly and equally, yet we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face unique challenges accessing and understanding the complex superannuation system.

We also recognise that our organisation, just like the broader community, still has a lot of work to do. This is why we proudly show our support for National Reconciliation Week and stand in unity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The 2025 theme ‘Bridging now to next’ encourages all Australians to look ahead and continue the push towards a more united and respectful nation as past lessons guide us.

GESB’s Reconciliation Action Plan

Our reconciliation journey began in 2019 to help us build strong, respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

To guide us on this journey, our Reconciliation and Policy Officer - a proud Whadjuk Ballardong woman, helps us identify and action culturally appropriate initiatives that will result in improved super outcomes for members.

We are now on our third Reconciliation Action Plan, which continues to promote reconciliation by formalising our efforts to:

• Meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally appropriate processes and procedures, and education programs to assist them to understand their superannuation
• Develop and implement plans to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members better understand, engage and access their super
• Increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Continue to raise employee awareness of the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Create a culturally inclusive workplace through staff awareness programs and activities

Flying the flag for reconciliation

For the second year in a row, GESB is taking part in the annual Street Banner Project run by Reconciliation WA.

The initiative promotes awareness and demonstrates support of National Reconciliation Week, and banners will be displayed across many communities in Western Australia. This year, the banners showcase artwork by the talented Western Australian Aboriginal Noongar artist, Darryl Dempster.

'Snake Nest' by Darryl Dempster

‘Snake Nest’ stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Indigenous peoples, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary artistic expression. It encourages a dialogue about the importance of family, nurturing, and the natural world, offering a powerful reminder of the beauty that lies in our shared experiences and relationships. Through this artwork, Dempster invites us to honour the sacredness of motherhood and the enduring ties that bind us all.

How we are supporting First Nations members

There are many challenges for First Nations people, particularly within regional and remote communities, when they are attempting to access their superannuation. They can have difficulty locating lost accounts, may have incorrect details or insufficient proof of identity documentation, or have trouble navigating the complex forms.

We are committed to helping all our members achieve a quality retirement, which is why we have initiatives in place to help overcome these challenges for First Nations members.

Aboriginal Justice Open Days

We frequently participate in Aboriginal Justice Open Days, hosted by the Department of Justice. Held in regional and remote areas throughout WA, these events have enabled us to help members locate lost super, consolidate their accounts, assist with claims for deceased family members, and explain their super accounts and entitlements.

Flexible identity requirements

We accept different forms of identification, such as a letter or statement by a referee, to make access easier for members who may not have traditional identity documents.

Free financial literacy program

We provide access to First Nation Foundation’s My Money Dream financial literacy program to help our members learn about budgeting, banking, insurance and superannuation.

Educational partnerships

We’ve partnered with First Nation’s Foundation, the Financial Counsellors' Association of WA, and Wunan Foundation to support programs that can assist in educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and communities of all ages.

Cultural awareness and celebration at GESB

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are dedicated to raising awareness of the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by celebrating significant events such as National Reconciliation Week.

We believe that by furthering our understanding of First Nations culture and history that we will strengthen the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians; and as an organisation we will be able to better support First Nations members.