NAIDOC Week
About NAIDOC Week 2024
NAIDOC Week, held each July across Australia, celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is embraced by Australians nationwide. Originally an acronym for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, NAIDOC now signifies a week dedicated to honoring Indigenous heritage through various community activities. This year's theme, "Keep the fire burning, Blak, Loud and Proud" highlights the unyielding spirit of Indigenous communities, symbolised by fire representing their enduring strength and vitality. It calls for the amplification of Indigenous voices, a reclamation of narratives, and a commitment to justice and equality, encouraging all Australians to engage in meaningful dialogue and support the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What does this year’s theme mean to bp’s First Nations employees?
“Keep the fire burning, Blak, Loud and Proud" signifies resilience and power of our identity and heritage. It represents an opportunity to celebrate our unique contributions and share our rich cultural legacy with our colleagues.
This theme encourages First Nations employees to confidently express their heritage and perspectives, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation among their peers.
It also underscores bp's commitment to diversity and equality, highlighting the importance of embracing Indigenous voices and ensuring they are heard and valued at every level of the organisation.
By honouring this theme, bp can strengthen its dedication to supporting, acknowledging, and integrating the wisdom and experiences of First Nations peoples.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2024
wildbean cafe campaign
From June 26 to July 23, coinciding with NAIDOC Week, 10 cents from every hot barista made beverage sold at participating wildbean cafes will be donated to First Nations not-for-profit organisation, DeadlyScience*. DeadlyScience provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) resources and education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
To make this campaign truly impactful, we worked with Yonga Solutions, an Indigenous owned and operated creative agency to repurpose our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) artwork by Noongar artist Cheryl Martin. You will find the beautiful artwork on our limited edition wildbean cafe coffee cups. We are excited for our customers to take a sip and make an impact.
Also, while you are in-store don’t forget to stock up on products from Indigenous suppliers Waddi Springs and The Unexpected Guest.
*From 26 June 2024 to 23 July 2024, 10c from every hot barista-made drink sold in participating bp stores displaying promotional material goes to DeadlyScience Ltd, Unit 5, 66 Lord St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, 0478 083 490, deadlyscience.org.au. The money will fund STEM learning programs and education resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. BP Australia Pty Ltd, L17, 717 Bourke St, Docklands, 3008, 1300 120 027, bp.com.au. BP23P9CCWBC01.
Hear from our partners
DeadlyScience
DeadlyScience® is Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM charity providing over 800 schools and community organisations across Australia with culturally appropriate resources and educational STEM programs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are Australia's First Scientists and have been practising science for over 65,000 years. DeadlyScience® programs are aimed to support STEM education with a focus on empowering and inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Our programs are designed to eliminate STEM poverty and create STEM equity for these learners.
bp has chosen DeadlyScience as their donation partner for 2024 NAIDOC Week. bp is committed to enhancing STEM opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and partnering with like-minded and passionate organisations like DeadlyScience provides a platform and the reach to positively contribute to this aim. Follow the link to hear more of the amazing work DeadlyScience are doing.
Waddi Springs
Waddi Springs: Connecting with Nature, One Sip at a Time.
At Waddi Springs, we believe that water is more than just a thirst-quencher—it’s a connection to the land, culture, and community. Our pristine spring water flows from the heart of the ancient Mountains in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales on the sacred land, where it’s naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock. With every sip, you’re tasting the essence of this unique landscape.
Each beverage carries a message of inspiration — a reminder to stay connected, appreciate nature, and cherish the moments that matter. Because life is about more than just hydration; it’s about nourishing your soul.
Join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week by raising a glass of Waddi Spring water. Cheers to nature, culture, and community!
The Unexpected Guest
“The Unexpected Guest” is a business with a meaningful name that reflects our worldview and emphasizes strong values.
Rooted in the practice of welcoming visitors with warmth and hospitality, our company continues this tradition by offering clean, healthy foods, sourced from Australian businesses, farmers and food producers. Our goal is to produce products that add to an individual person's wellbeing.
We’re committed to creating sensational products, supporting small businesses, and following organic and fair-trade practices—all while having a great time doing it.
Our logo, featuring a kangaroo paw with flowing dots, pays homage to our upbringing in the countryside, where wildlife and the Wambool River played a prominent role.
Yonga Solutions
At Yonga Solutions, we pride ourselves on being a First Nations business committed to sustainability and cultural integrity. Our status as Australia's first 'Certified Carbon Active' Aboriginal business reflects our unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and proactive measures to mitigate our carbon footprint. This certification is a testament to our commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. Partnering with Yonga Solutions means collaborating with a company that prioritises contributing positively to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Our partnership with bp has been both exciting and meaningful, resulting in numerous impactful projects that celebrate and integrate Indigenous culture. A standout project includes the creation of artwork by Cheryl Martin for bp's RAP. Cheryl's artwork has been a cornerstone for various initiatives, from the vibrant wildbean cafe campaign to the striking livery wrapping for Supercars and the newly installed signage in bp’s Sydney office.
Yonga Solutions brings together a unique blend of creative vision, cultural connection, and a commitment to sustainability. Our work with bp exemplifies how we strive to incorporate Indigenous artistry and storytelling into corporate initiatives, enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with bp and other forward-thinking organisations, driving positive change and fostering a deeper connection to our shared environment and cultural heritage.
Supercars partnership
bp are proud to have worked with Western Australian artist Cheryl Martin, in collaboration with Yonga Solutions, on a new Indigenous livery for the bp pulse Safety Car. Cheryl’s artwork is inspired by nature and the Australian landscape, symbolising change, resilience, and the connection to the land.
"My artwork tells a story of change, resilience, and the connection to our country. It’s an honour to see my work featured in bp’s RAP and to share my culture with a wider audience"
Cheryl
The livery was unveiled at the betr Darwin Triple Crown, as the bp pulse Safety Car led a convoy of race vehicles to the Darwin waterfront, for a public viewing and driver signing session. This marked the third annual Indigenous round of the Supercars, and we were honored to host Cheryl and sister Rose Walley, of Yonga Solutions, at the unveiling event. The new livery will stay on for the next Supercars round, the NTI Townsville 500, 5-7 July, to coincide with NAIDOC week.
Story behind bp’s RAP artwork
About the Artist
Cheryl Martin (nee Walley)’s family have long ties with bp. She and her siblings grew up in Medina, one of the first suburbs established to house refinery workers during the construction of bp Kwinana in the 1950s. Cheryl’s father was employed by bp, and she says this meant he was one of the first Aboriginal Australians in Western Australia to earn an equal wage. The Walley family was fortunate to remain together during the Stolen Generations and they attribute this to Cheryl’s father’s employment. It is a great privilege to feature Cheryl’s artwork in bp’s Stretch RAP and we look forward to continuing Cheryl’s enduring connection with bp and the Kwinana site.
About the Art
The wind brings in change from all directions – from the top to bottom and east to west. The surrounding ocean keeps things calm and fresh and reminds us of the power of resilience. The centre is about the earth and the colours of my Country, our country, Australia. The emu family represent the transition from young to old, running around, but always staying together, the father emu looking after his family just like my father did with me and my family. The animals represent the different parts of Australia. They are all moving no matter how big or small they are. They move at their own pace and their own way on land, in the sky, and in the ocean. They are all unique to Australia. Cheryl Martin, 2023
bp’s commitment to reconciliation
Our Strategy
Embedded in bp's sustainability framework are 20 aims aimed at making a positive societal impact.
Five of these aims are dedicated to fostering a just energy transition, sustainable livelihoods, respect for human rights, greater equity and enhanced wellbeing.
The 2023–2026 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) delivers on five of these aims, emphasising bp's responsibility and privilege to contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, and recognising the valuable role this contribution plays in working towards a reconciled Australia.
bp's vision for Australia
bp's vision for reconciliation in Australia is centered around fostering a unified nation that embraces and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The company envisions an Australia where all individuals find joy and contentment in their identity and heritage. The path to reconciliation involves truth telling for past injustices, humility, acknowledge of present challenges, and a commitment to walk together on the path to Reconciliation.