Looking back over the last two years reiterates the rising global challenge faced of the COVID pandemic and the importance of unity in the face of this challenge. A defining moment for DT Global APAC during this period was in September 2020, when we proudly published our first official Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). In developing our Reflect RAP, DT Global APAC built a culture that actively incorporates the unifying goal of Reconciliation.
Throughout the creation of our ‘Reflect’ RAP we aligned ourselves with the Reflect goals of exploring our sphere of influence and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. We built a relationship with Kennelly Constructions and its owner Shane Kennelly, a leading Indigenous Construction Company. Mr. Kennelly oversaw the development of our RAP production and his company partnered with us to deploy in new markets. CareerTrackers saw us reach Closing the Gap targets with Indigenous participation in our workplace through traineeships and internships. We partnered with Akaltye, an Indigenous consultancy group, to look at opportunities for tender. Something Wild, an Indigenous-owned food and beverage company, catered for our food needs.
All staff completed an Indigenous cultural awareness training and were actively encouraged to engage in Indigenous events throughout National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week and National Reconciliation Week. Overall, our workplace saw a shift towards Indigenous cultural appreciation with the implementation of acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and cultural awareness displays throughout the office. We stood in solidarity of fundamental Indigenous dates and encouraged Indigenous people to apply for positions within DT Global.
Adding to these proud achievements, in late 2021 we started the next step in the Reconciliation journey by beginning our work to develop an ‘Innovate’ level RAP. We will continue to build on from our established relationships to develop innovative strategies that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
With the easing of COVID restrictions throughout 2022 we look forward to finding new indigenous connections. We’ll listen to these connections for guidance on how to strengthen our company and our programs through improved inclusivity.
The next milestone in our reconciliation journey is to complete our Innovate RAP so that it can be endorsed by Reconciliation Australia by DT Global Day in late July 2022. We’re excited for the next phase of this journey toward reconciliation.
