Post by WaterNSW

Today marks National Close the Gap Day. We recently gathered on Gundungurra Country at the Warragamba Visitor Centre to recognise this occasion, with our CEO Andrew George, Executive Leaders, our local team and community over morning tea. It was a privilege to welcome Ngundi man, Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston, who generously shared a yarn about his family’s connection to the construction of Warragamba Dam over 60 years ago, and reflected on the deep cultural and historical connections that exist between Country, community and this significant piece of infrastructure. Harry Huddleston, Les’s father, played a key role during the dam’s construction and was chosen to represent his colleagues at the official opening in 1960. Harry’s story continues to shape the way we understand our shared history. Les also shared culture through the sound of the yidaki and presented a beautiful artwork that will now be displayed in the Visitor Centre - a meaningful addition that helps tell the ongoing story of Country and connection to place. Closing the Gap is about achieving better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Moments like this remind us that closing the gap is not only about targets and statistics. It is about listening, learning and building genuine relationships with the communities connected to the places where we work. A big thank you to Les for sharing his knowledge, culture and story with us. #CloseTheGap #WaterNSW