Reconciliation Action Plan
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the First Nations Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways upon which we work and depend. With strength, pride and resilience, First Nations’ cultures continue to endure, grow and thrive today. E&P acknowledges this strength and diversity among First Nations Peoples.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our offices operate. The Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Jagera people, the Turrbal people, and the Ngunnawal people. We acknowledge each community’s continuing culture and pay respect to their Elders past and present. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including our clients, partners and broader community.
Our commitment to reconciliation
We are committed to supporting self-determination through partnerships and financial empowerment. Our commitment echoes our longstanding purpose – to empower our clients to prosper.
Our priority initiatives
As trusted advisers and active stewards of capital, our influence as an intermediary spans three notable groups. This includes: investments; industry & community; and internal operations & culture.
By actively fostering opportunities across these pillars, we can support systems and processes that serve First Nations Peoples and communities.
Investments
How we allocate investment and financial capital to support First Nations Peoples.
We are committed to delivering bespoke investment service and education offerings, tailored to First Nations clients, such as Prescribed Body Corporates, Registered Aboriginal Parties, Land Councils, Corporations and Foundations.
E&P has a specialist investment advisory capability for the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector, including for-purpose and community centred First Nations organisations. Our funds under advice in the NFP sector currently exceeds $2.5 billion across over 100 organisations (as at 30 June 2024).
We are committed to providing a platform for investments that promote First Nations outcomes.
E&P has a specialist internal team with expertise on sustainable and impact investment markets. With subject matter expertise on First Nations affairs and economic development, we hold unique insights into First Nations investment markets.
Industry & community
How we collaborate with industry and community to progress best practices and capacity building.
We are committed to building relationships that foster positive outcomes for community.
This includes increasing opportunities for investment education for First Nations community leaders, executives, directors and professionals; impactful volunteering and philanthropic opportunities; and broader capacity building initiatives.
We are committed to championing industry-wide change and best practice through our active presence in industry.
This includes across groups such as the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI), the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA), Philanthropy Australia, the United Nations and various other prominent industry forums.
Internal operations & culture
How we promote ongoing cultural learning and actions within our network.
We are committed to supporting a safe and positive culture across our firm and broader community. We embrace learning and strong relationships, and our role to facilitate this for our people.
This includes cultural learning, engagement and anti-discrimination measures.
We are committed to continually reviewing and improving our policies and processes that promote reconciliation.
This includes our activities and initiatives relating to employment and procurement outcomes, as well as enabling policies and procedures relating to diversity, equity, inclusion.
Waagay by Josie Rose
Waagay, meaning fire in Gumbaynggirr language, is an artwork designed and commissioned as part of E&P Financial Group’s 2024 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The two original paintings are displayed at E&P’s Melbourne office.
Josie Rose is a Gumbaynggirr artist from Coffs Harbour. Josie’s art features vibrant colours with intricate designs inspired by contemporary expressions of wajaarr (Country, including land and water) and guunuwaygam (life).
The modern Aboriginal artwork is abstract and symbolic, capturing an ash covered earth, after an annual cultural cool, mosaic burn. Fire is an element capable of transforming and sustaining Country.
Country holds language, kinship, lore, stories, songlines and ceremonial places. Country also embodies the strength of First Nations communities, providing resources for life and guiding First Nations Peoples’ ambitions for prosperity.
The painting also echoes the artist’s support for economic self-determination of First Nations Peoples, communities and organisations. The diptych, through prominent shapes, features expressions of respect, communication and intentional programs. These are key characteristics of E&P’s vision to partner with and service First Nations communities.
Moreover, the detailing reflects the nuanced and culturally responsive needs of First Nations stakeholders and clients. While this conveys complexity, this is inherently vibrant.
