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Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country guide

To support the wine sector with greater awareness of and knowledge around the use of Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country protocols we have developed this guide to assist you.

Wine Australia encourages the use of protocols to genuinely demonstrate awareness of and respect for the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owners of the land.

This is important because it:

  • educates audiences about Australia’s cultural heritage
  • demonstrates ethical and culturally aware practices
  • recognises that Australian wine is a product of Country

Download Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country guide (PDF)

Wine Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

Wine Australia’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is a commitment to learning, listening and building understanding. It marks the first step in our ongoing reconciliation journey, focused on strengthening cultural awareness within our organisation and approaching this work thoughtfully, and respectfully.

This Reflect RAP applies to Wine Australia and does not set expectations for the wider grape and wine sector. It is about taking time to understand Australia’s history, the ongoing significance of Country and how we can engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with care and respect as part of how we work.

Download the Reflect RAP

RAP-cover-art

Artwork by Kalli-Jade Wall

Kalli-Jade Wall is a contemporary First Nations artist and designer of Arrernte and Jingili heritage, living and creating on Kaurna Country in South Australia.

This artwork speaks to connection between people, Country, and the many regions that shape Wine Australia’s identity. The deep green section flowing through the middle represents nature and growth — a visual reminder of our connection to plants, land, and the seasons that guide agriculture. The smaller green and yellow dot formations nod to both blossoming life and traditional community symbols, highlighting the richness and diversity of Country.

Three straight journey lines run through the work, leading into the central meeting place with the sun at its core. Along these lines are 65 dots, representing the 65 wine regions across Australia — each distinct yet connected through shared journey, learning, and community.

At the borders sit the U-shapes, symbolising people gathered along pathways of connection. Beneath the central green path, water and earth/country flow together — life-giving elements grounding the work in balance, strength, and sustainability. Above, the rolling hills and sky reflect Country’s story and cycles of renewal, framing the piece within the continuity of land and seasons.

This concept is built on story, season, and shared responsibility. It stays true to Wine Australia’s reconciliation vision — respect for Country, community, and the ongoing journey of walking and learning together.

Essential resource

AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia: will help you find the language, social or nation groups to use in your Acknowledgement of Country.

Map of Indigenous Australia | AIATSIS corporate website

Member content

This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy payers.

Reports are also available for one-off purchase to non-members.

Click here to find out more.