Serco Asia Pacific is observing NAIDOC Week by highlighting the unyielding spirit of one of Australia's most culturally diverse communities.
In recognition of this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning.
Blak, Loud and Proud”, Serco employees have come together to celebrate the deep history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Through participation in local community events and activities hosted across company contracts, Serco teams are proudly sharing in the richness of First Nations culture through storytelling, traditional dancing, food and ceremonial practices.
Over the past 12 months, Serco has made great progress towards advancing our First Nations initiatives including launching its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), establishing ‘Kanyini’ - the company's voluntary First Nations colleague community network, and actively supporting First Nation businesses through procurement spending (over A $7.9 million was spent on First Nations procurement in 2023, supporting industrial capability and promotion of the visibility of First Nations businesses).
Serco's new Stretch RAP is a commitment to building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard.
It continues the group's vision for reconciliation as equality for First Nations peoples, where cultural protection is embedded within service delivery.
‘Kanyini’, Serco's voluntary First Nations Colleague Community network, meets regularly to yarn on what matters to them and provide support for each other.
As an organisation, we continue to enhance our connections with local First Nations communities and businesses, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation in our business, building employee understanding, and enabling improved services for those in our care.
The group is also consulted on First Nations issues across the business.
Serco is also the major sponsor of the Bundjalung men’s team at this year’s Koori Knockout, after a successful sponsorship of the Newcastle All Blacks U/17 team last year.
This will support the team's participation in the knockout and allow us to partner with them in supporting local communities.
National Manager Indigenous Affairs & Connection, Andrew Bartha, says: “As a Ngarigo/Yuin Man, I am proud to play an important role in supporting my Serco colleagues to listen, learn and engage in meaningful conversation, to foster a society where the wisdom and contributions of First Nations peoples are fully valued and respected.
“As an organisation, we continue to enhance our connections with local First Nations communities and businesses, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation in our business, building employee understanding, and enabling improved services for those in our care.
“I look forward to continuing this work in my role at Serco to support reconciliation by ensuring services Australians interact with are reflective of First Nations cultures and perspectives, are delivered in a culturally safe way, and deliver a real impact to the communities we serve.”
