Country Always

'Powerhouse acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the Powerhouse stands. We recognise their continuous connection to Country and extend our respect to the diverse First Nations peoples who now call these places home.

In Indigenous culture Country is vast, all-encompassing and limitless, and transcends western notions of property and land ownership.

Country is multifaceted and includes all tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It means the lands, waters, seas, and skies and everything on it, including people, plants, animals and landscapes.

Country is also the song lines, stories, language, cultural expressions and knowledge. It is all parts of Australia: the deserts, rainforests, mountains and plains.

Urban areas, the streets, parks, and the buildings are situated all on Country.

Country is holistic and living.

Country is spiritual belonging.

Country shapes individual and communal identity and wellbeing. It is the ‘people, family, mob, who walk on Country’. Country is kin. The relationship between people and Country must include reciprocity.'

– Terri Janke, Powerhouse Caring for Country Principles, 2022

In consultation with First Nations peoples of the Country on which the Powerhouse sites are situated, Caring for Country Principles now form the foundation of the Climate Action Plan – they are our Acknowledgement to Country in practice.

True acknowledgement is not just a sentiment or a proceeding, but an ongoing behaviour and responsibility. Through the stories we tell, our care for cultural belongings and collaboration with Community – we remember and respect Country, Always.