“The history of our First Peoples is the history of all of us, of all of Australia, and we need to own it – hearing this history is necessary before we can come to some true reconciliation, some genuine healing for both sides.” – NAIDOC National Co-Chairs Pat Thompson and John Paul Janke.
For those who are unfamiliar, the origins of NAIDOC week, which stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, began in the 1920’s and was expanded to the week we now celebrate, in 1974. Each year a theme is chosen to reflect important issues and events. This years NAIDOC week theme is VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH. Let’s work together for a shared future. NAIDOC National Co-Chairs Pat Thompson and John Paul Janke’s reflection on the theme is about transparency in communication, something we at WORK180 value with our community of employers.
The theme acknowledges the three key elements of the Uluru Statement form the Heart made at the National Constitutional Convention in 2017. Each element of Voice, Treaty and Truth is reflected in the specifically sequenced reforms, set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These elements align with reconciliation and the steps needed to get there.
Reconciliation is the actions of shared truth voiced in our schools, our healthcare systems, our Government and the employers of Australia. This week we celebrate and commend those employers in the WORK180 community who have taken committed steps towards reconciliation, by working with Reconciliation Australia, in formalising a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to broaden opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Reconciliation Action Plans are proven frameworks designed to support organisations develop a practical approach towards building meaningful relationships and opportunities, that are mutually beneficial and sustainable with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reconciliation Australia is a free service offering four plan types for businesses catered to suit each stage of an organisations reconciliation journey, from scoping a vision in a Reflect plan, implementation through an Innovate plan, followed by Stretch and Elevate plans into leadership. Schools, Universities and other learning centres can access a Narragunnawali Reconciliation Action Plan type.
WORK180 is currently in the process of developing our own Reconciliation Action Plan. WORK180’s CEO and Co-founder, Gemma Lloyd, reflects on what this means to the business.
“At WORK180 we seek and promote equality in workplaces and as a platform for diversity and inclusion.”
“We are grateful for the guidance and relationship we have with Leanne Brooke, GM of The Long Walk & Indigenous Affairs, as we approach and develop our first RAP with Reconciliation Australia. This is a natural continuation for WORK180 as we work together for a shared future” says Gemma Lloyd.
We look forward to joining the WORK180 community of employers who have been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, in their commitment to cultural diversity, for the world’s longest surviving cultures and communities.
WORK180 RAP endorsed employers:
Australian Bureau of Statistics, ARUP, Ashhurst, Barwon Water, BHP, BOQ, BP, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Caltex, Cbus, City of Melbourne, Clayton Utz, Downer, ECU, Jacobs, KPMG, Laing O’Rourke, McKinsey & Company, NBN, PwC, Queensland Law Society, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Thiess, TransGrid, UGL, Unitywater, Winc, CPB Contractors
