Herron Todd White launches its Reconciliation Plan in Rockhampton to honour where the company began over 50 years ago

Raymond Garrett’s artwork features the Rainbow Serpent which gave the region its water, plants and food; the footprints represent a step in the right direction when it comes to inclusivity and diversity.

Mayor Tony Wiliams, Debra Mair (HTW Manager People and Culture), Graham Gross (HTW Manager CQ), Raymond Garrett, Richard and Uncle Clem Beezley and Gary Brinkworth (HTW CEO) at the launch of Herron Todd White's Reconcilation Action Plan in Rockhampton

In a fitting tribute to its origins in Rockhampton, a nationwide property valuation group launched its Reconciliation Action Plan on Toonooba’s banks on Tuesday. Toonooba is the Darumbal name for the Fitzroy River.

Herron Todd White, which now operates 64 offices around Australia, started in Rockhampton 53 years ago, according to CEO Gary Brinkworth.

He joined Elder Uncle Clem Beezley at the Riverside Precinct in unveiling the RAP, the front cover of which was illustrated by Darumbal artist Raymond Garrett.

Mr Garrett, whose work already features at the Quay Street playground and on the City Hall carpet installed in October last year, explained the footprint motifs represented the pathways along which Indigenous people passed on their knowledge.

The vivid blue swathe represents the Rainbow Serpent or Mundaguda which created the water, plants and animals for the Darumbal people to live in their nation.

Mr Garrett, who works with young people in Ipswich, said traditional art was a good way to connect people with country.

Darumbal artist Raymond Barrett at the launch of the Herron Todd White Reconciliation Plan in Rockhampton

“Especially these kids in the metro areas, a lot of them have lost their stories,” he said.

“I feel a certain pride to do something for the people of Rockhampton and I’m happy to be back and visit my home on this occasion.”

Herron Todd White, which does a lot of its business in rural areas, sought the assistance of Reconciliation Australia to come up with a plan which promotes diversity and inclusion.

Central Queensland managing director Graham Gross said it was the first step in “being open and willing to learn”.

Across the country, Herron Todd White will offer work experience and internship opportunities to promote property valuation as a career path for Indigenous participants.

Darumbal Elder Clem Beezley, who welcomed the interstate guests, spoke about advancing his way out of menial jobs by undertaking a STEPS program through CQUniversity and ending up with a “rewarding” position at the Correctional Centre.

“The world changes,” he said.

“You’ve got to know how to embrace opportunities or get left behind.”

His son, Richard Beezley, first trained as a fitter/turner but left that vocation to pursue his goal of becoming a property valuer.

The Rockhampton Regional Council is also in the process of publishing a Reconciliation Action Plan, according to Mayor Tony Williams.

The theme of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations is “Heal Country”.