GrainCorp has strengthened its commitment to reconciliation with the launch of its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reinforcing its focus on creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the communities in which it operates.

Developed in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia, First Nations stakeholders, community leaders and experts, the RAP builds on the foundations of GrainCorp’s previous plans and marks a clear shift from awareness to action – embedding practical, long-term outcomes across its operations, partnerships and culture.

With a significant footprint across rural and regional Australia, GrainCorp recognises the important role it plays in deepening reconciliation especially across four priority areas: economic empowerment, respect for Traditional Owners, cultural capability and industry leadership.

Stephanie Belton, GrainCorp’s RAP Sponsor and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, says the RAP reflects both progress made and a clear commitment to go further.

“Our second Innovate RAP is about building on the strong foundations we’ve already established and moving forward with greater intent – listening to our partners, strengthening relationships, and ensuring reconciliation is reflected in the everyday behaviours of our business.

“We’re proud of what’s been achieved so far, but we’re equally clear there is more to do. This next chapter is about continuing that work and delivering meaningful, lasting impact for our communities.”

Embedding Reconciliation for the long term

GrainCorp’s Innovate RAP provides a practical roadmap to deepen relationships with First Nations peoples while expanding access to meaningful employment, career pathways and business opportunities.

Since embarking on its reconciliation journey, the company has made significant progress.

Some of the highlights include:

• Leadership-driven cultural change – leaders have championed inclusive leadership through cultural awareness training and organisation-wide learning initiatives, helping foster a more culturally safe workplace
• Community investment and impact – through the GrainCorp Community Foundation, the company has supported First Nations-led initiatives that celebrate culture, promote wellbeing and encourage lifelong learning
• Strengthening partnerships – deeper relationships with First Nations organisations have enabled co-designed initiatives that reflect community priorities and support education and mentoring for young people
• Industry leadership and advocacy – GrainCorp has embedded reconciliation into its sustainability strategy, aligning its approach with broader goals for equity and long-term environmental and social outcomes
• Living our values every day – employees across the business have embraced reconciliation through authentic Acknowledgements of Country, greater cultural engagement, and a shared commitment to inclusion

Stephanie continues: “This next stage is about embedding reconciliation into the fabric of our business.

“That means creating culturally safe workplaces, fostering inclusive leadership, and ensuring people feel a strong sense of identity and belonging – not just in principle but in practice.”

Empowering through education and partnership

Partnerships remain central to GrainCorp’s approach to reconciliation – and its valued partnership with the GO Foundation is a key example, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education, cultural connection and mentorship.

The strength of this partnership is reflected in stories like Leah Gerrard, a proud Wiradjuri and Dharug woman, who progressed from a GO Foundation student to a role with GrainCorp’s Harvest Recruitment team, where she helped connect thousands of people with seasonal jobs across the network.

Leah’s journey highlights how education, cultural connection and employment pathways can come together to support the next generation of First Nation leaders, while also increasing representation in industries such as agriculture.

“Our partnership with the GO Foundation is about supporting people like Leah to build careers and grow as leaders in a way that keeps them connected to who they are and where they come from,” Stephanie continues.

“Her story shows what’s possible when the right support, opportunity and cultural connection come together – and it’s exactly the kind of impact we’re committed to creating through this RAP.”

The RAP artwork also holds special significant for GrainCorp. Created by Leah, the piece – titled Layers Within – reflects themes of connection, identity and growth, with GrainCorp to share more on the meaning behind the artwork as part of the RAP rollout.

To read GrainCorp’s second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, click here.