ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) today announced the launch of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s reconciliation journey.
The Innovate RAP was launched today on Dharug land at the Kimberwalli Aboriginal Centre for Excellence where many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders and CDC Stakeholders gathered to welcome the plan.
“As one of Australia’s leading transport providers, connecting people to places and communities is an intrinsic element of what we do. Reconciliation is vital to this work, and our Innovate RAP reflects our commitment to fostering a culturally inclusive workplace that supports, understands, and respects the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) CEO Nicholas Yap.
In 2022, CDC took its first steps towards deeper, more meaningful engagement and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities with the launch of its Reflect RAP. Since then, CDC has made significant progress, including strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the Babaayn Elders, who formed a key part of today’s launch.
As part of CDC’s Reflect RAP, the organisation has built awareness amongst its employees of the importance of the RAP itself, driven engagement and participation in National Reconciliation Week and introduced a range of cultural learning opportunities for its employees. Throughout, CDC has ensured that these activities were driven by strong governance in the form of its RAP Working Group, which will help guide the next stage of CDC’s journey towards reconciliation.
CDC CEO Nicholas Yap added, “Our commitment to reconciliation is fundamental to our role in bringing communities together and creating positive change through our services. The launch of the Innovate RAP represents a natural progression of CDC’s commitment and aligns with the company’s vision to create an inclusive, culturally safe and diverse organisation that is valued by customers and staff, built on a foundation of understanding and respect.”
The launch coincides with CDC’s expansion of its partnership with the Clontarf Foundation to a national level, building on the successful relationship established in the Northern Territory. The enhanced partnership includes funding for a new academy in NSW and will create valuable opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through access to real-world experience, including attendance at business events, apprenticeship opportunities, and building connections within the transport industry.
Beyond CDC’s collaboration with Clontarf Foundation, it maintains strong relationships with Larrakia Nation in the Northern Territory and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in NSW.
The Innovate RAP serves as a comprehensive guide, sharing the key pillars and deliverables CDC will employ to advance reconciliation in the years to come. It outlines specific initiatives focused on engaging staff in reconciliation and contributing to employment and business opportunities which are inclusive of and benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
