All In for reconciliation: BMD reflects on progress and practical action

Hosted as an online livestream from BMD’s Brisbane office on Quandamooka Country, the event centred on this year’s theme, All In, reinforcing that reconciliation is a shared responsibility embedded in the way BMD works every day.

For BMD, being All In means turning commitment into practical action across employment, procurement, cultural learning, partnerships, community engagement and project delivery.

Through its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, BMD has set clear targets to support meaningful and measurable progress for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and communities.

Since launching its first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2017, First Nations representation across BMD’s workforce has increased from 1.9% to 3.85%. Today, 92 permanent First Nations employees are part of the business, with BMD continuing to work towards its Stretch RAP employment target of 4% by the end of 2026, and 5% full-time employment by 2027.

BMD has also continued to strengthen its commitment to First Nations business engagement. In the 2024/25 financial year, BMD invested more than $45.5 million, or 3.38% of procurement spend, with First Nations businesses, supported by a further $36.3 million through joint venture projects. As of April 2026, BMD had procured $37.1 million, or 3.25% of procurement spend, through 116 First Nations businesses.

To coincide with the livestream, BMD launched a purpose-built First Nations eLearning pathway, marking the next stage of its Cultural Learning Framework and strengthening BMD’s focus on cultural capability and development.

BMD Indigenous Program Manager Dart Johnson said the event was an important opportunity to reflect on progress and continue building momentum through practical action.

“National Reconciliation Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the progress we are making, while acknowledging there is still more work to do,” Dart said.

“At BMD, reconciliation is about shared commitment. It is about the actions we take across our projects, partnerships, procurement, community relationships and the way we continue to build cultural understanding across our business.

“Our new First Nations eLearning pathway is one practical way we are putting this commitment into action, providing our people with tailored, relevant learning experiences that build the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to engage respectfully with First Nations histories, cultures, communities and protocols."

Through its Stretch RAP, BMD continues to focus on creating genuine pathways for First Nations employees, strengthening long-term relationships with First Nations businesses, and building partnerships grounded in trust and respect.

This National Reconciliation Week, BMD is reminded that real progress happens when commitment is shared, action is practical and everyone is All In.