Photo L-R: Serco’s National Manager Indigenous Affairs & Connection, Andrew Bartha, Communication and Community Engagement Manager, Bree Hiatt, Clarence Correctional Centre Aboriginal Cultural Advisor, Shayne Skinner, Clarence Correctional Centre General Manager, Scott Jacques and Clarence Correctional Centre, Executive Assistant Natasha McLennan.
This NAIDOC Week, Serco proudly celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities.
In recognition of this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning. Blak, Loud and Proud”, Serco colleagues across the nation 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 our contracts nationally, our 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, announcing our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), establishing ‘Kanyini’ our voluntary First Nations colleague community network, and actively supporting First Nation businesses through our procurement spending.
Our new Stretch RAP is a commitment to building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. It continues our vision for reconciliation as equality for First Nations peoples, where cultural protection is embedded within our service delivery.
‘Kanyini’, our voluntary First Nations Colleague Community network, meets regularly to yarn on what matters to them and provide support for each other. The group is also consulted on First Nations issues across the business.
In 2023, we spent over $7.9 million on First Nations procurement, supporting industrial capability and promotion of the visibility of First Nations businesses.
We are also proud to announce we are 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.
Serco’s National Manager Indigenous Affairs & Connection, Andrew Bartha, said Serco has made significant strides to support First Nations peoples, communities and organisations, yet there’s many more projects in the pipeline.
“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,” he said.
“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.”