silkroad, inc. - reconciliation action plan...reconciliation action plan 2012 – 2015. we are proud...

Reconciliation Action Plan 1

Reconciliation Action Plan 2012 - 2015

to walk together as equals”“

2 Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Company

Georgiou is a national civil infrastructure, building construction and property development company. Our goal as a leading organisation is to achieve our vision and be “the best people to work with”.

We are proud of our values-driven culture focusing on Safety, Teamwork, Excellence and Pride (STEP) resulting in our commitment to Indigenous employment and the personal development of all our employees.

Based in Perth, Western Australia, with offices in Brisbane, Mackay and Melbourne, we deliver the following capabilities for our clients:

BuIldInG COnSTruCTIOn

CAMP ACCOMMOdATIOn & VIllAGES

EArThWOrkS

lAnd dEVElOPMEnT

MArInE & POrT InfrASTruCTurE

nOn PrOCESS InfrASTruCTurE

PrECAST

rOAdWOrkS & BrIdGES

STruCTurAl COnCrETE

WATEr InfrASTruCTurE.


“Georgiou, along with other WA companies presented their RAP message to the people of Perth for Reconciliation Week.”John Georgiou, CEO, Georgiou


A message from our CEO

Creating diverse opportunities and building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples help drive the initiatives that form Georgiou’s reconciliation Action Plan 2012 – 2015.

We are proud of what we have achieved through the roll out of our 2011 rAP with some key achievements including the employment of an Indigenous relations Advisor and the roll out of our Cross Cultural Awareness Training program to over 250 employees.

We are especially proud of our recognised achievements by the Civil Contractors federation (CCf) in 2011 when Georgiou was presented with the CCf Indigenous development Award and Georgiou employee kristopher Barton was awarded the Indigenous Trainee of the Year. These awards are testament of our commitment to providing opportunities for Indigenous peoples across Australia.

We will continue to respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, providing Cross Cultural Awareness Training for all Georgiou employees across Australia and by developing cultural protocols to ensure our Indigenous engagement is conducted in a professional and respectful way.

Moving forward, we will continue to build relationships with Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a yearly celebration of our rAP, by creating partnerships with Indigenous organisations and through educating our employees on the goals outlined within our rAP.

These future opportunities will be generated by:

sourcing new sponsorship activities increasing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment numbers expanding our support programs, including school based training office and site employment roles providing small business mentoring for Indigenous companies. Our commitment to building a future with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has never wavered and through our Indigenous development programs and initiatives, we have discovered rising Indigenous stars on our projects who are vital and respected members of their teams and of our Company.

By empowering Indigenous communities and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can achieve our vision to walk together as equals.

John GeorgiouCEO


Our values

SAfEtyto provide tailored HSE and other training and employment programs for

Indigenous people so that they have the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to fulfil career aspirations.

tEAmWORkGeorgiou is committed to working together to promote the awareness of

Indigenous values and beliefs throughout the business. We partner with Indigenous organisations to achieve lasting and mutually

beneficial relationships.

ExCEllEnCEWe will provide Indigenous people with real opportunities for achieving a

sustainable future.

PRIdEWe will provide support networks to empower Indigenous people to realise

their potential and achieve life goals.

On-SItE mesa J (l-R) Phyllis Bandy and Sonya Stephens


It is our vision to walk together as equals...

Georgiou’s vision for reconciliation focuses on partnerships that help us learn from the past in order to plan a future where equality and quality thrives.

At Georgiou, we respect the original custodians of the land and acknowledge the unique position Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples occupy in Australian society. We recognise that the original inhabitants practiced a successful way of life for more than 40,000 years but today are disadvantaged. We aim to overcome the actions of the past that have contributed to the disadvantages that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples endure today.

Georgiou CEO John Georgiou (centre) with noongar Elder Cedric Jacobs (left) and fred Chaney (right).

We are committed to play our role as an organisation and group of individuals to address the disadvantage and inequity experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the way we do business and initiatives such as employment and training opportunities.

It is our desire to understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures along with respecting the different values and beliefs. Our family based values and corporate vision to be “the best people to work with” positions us to come together and work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is our vision to walk together as equals.


Our partners

Georgiou prides itself on the strength and significance of our partnerships.

Since the implementation of the rAP in 2011, Georgiou and our partners have continued to increase joint interests in supporting our vision to walk together as equals.

Creating sustainable, solid partnerships is an essential step in the journey of reconciliation and the empowerment of and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our current partners include:

Clontarf foundation Aboriginal Workforce development Centre david Wirrpanda foundation kambarang Services Mary G foundation Gumala Australian Employment Covenant (AEC) Civil Contractors foundation (CCf).

Clontarf foundation

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Indigenous community, Georgiou entered into a partnership with the Clontarf foundation.

The Clontarf foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men.

The foundation’s programs are delivered through a network of academies which operate in partnership with a local school or college. using the passion that young Aboriginal men have for football enables Clontarf to attract and retain participants, but it is much more than a sports program. To remain in the Clontarf Academy, participants must consistently endeavour to attend school, apply themselves to study, and embrace the Academy’s objectives to establish good behaviour and self-discipline.

An important part of the partnership between Clontarf foundation and Georgiou is the development of a strong relationship between Clontarf Academy students and staff, and our own employees. This partnership allows us to form a relationship with the students through informal events and activities while they are supported at school in each Clontarf Academy.

Clontarf students visit Georgiou’s work sites, learn about jobs in our industry and business and get to know our people. This in turn provides the students with invaluable insight into their future transition from school to work.


The Clontarf foundation values the support of all our partners who enable young Aboriginal men to engage in our programs and receive support throughout their schooling to make a successful transition to employment. In 2012, we provided full time support for 2,850 students in 53 schools across Western Australia, northern Territory, new South Wales and Victoria. Our partnership with Georgiou creates the opportunity for nine young men to participate in a Clontarf Academy each year.

“

”liz Storr, General Manager, Partnerships & Communication, Clontarf foundation

Clontarf students


key lessons

Georgiou’s rAP signifies a culmination of twelve months work, led by a working group of twenty people representing Georgiou’s diverse work force.

We set ambitious timelines for our actions in the 2011 rAP, and are proud of the team participation and dedication displayed to achieve these goals.

We learned that partnerships and cultural awareness programs were vital in ensuring we achieved our rAP outcomes and delivered on our promises. Our Cross Cultural Awareness Training, support of cultural events such as nAIdOC Week and sponsoring community projects are just three areas in which we achieved significant outcomes and further developed our relationship with the Indigenous community.

kEy InItIAtIvES:

employment of an Indigenous relations Advisor

cross Cultural Awareness Training (CCAT) delivered to over 250 employees across national operations, as well as a segment added to the Company Orientation Program

creation of an Indigenous relations Policy reinforcing our responsibility and methodology directed at generating and supporting employment opportunities for Indigenous people within our organisation

provided sponsorship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, communities and partners

participated in nAIdOC celebrations at Georgiou head Office, with proceeds of an employee barbeque being donated to the david Wirrpanda foundation (dWf)

signed the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC) committing to 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobs over 10 years

formed the Gumala Georgiou Joint Venture (GGJV) to expand expertise, whilst training, employing and developing more Indigenous workers, and generating further benefits for the Pilbara Traditional Owners

facilitation of the Georgiou Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), with the addition of an improved mentoring framework.

Gumala Enterprises Pty ltd (GEPl) and Georgiou formed the Gumala Georgiou Joint Venture l-r back row: Sam Galati GEPl Chairman, José Castillo GEPl Commercial Manager, John Galvin Georgiou Executive Officer risk. l-r front: GEPl deputy Chairperson and Traditional Owner Board Member natalie Parker, Georgiou CEO John Georgiou.


‘Big Bell’ rings loudly on Georgiou projects

Garry Bell has been with Georgiou for three years and is currently based in Cape lambert as a Storeman and unofficial mentor to the rest of his team.

A Wiradjuri man, Garry is regarded as a highly valued member of the Georgiou family, respected and known by his fellow crew mates as unc or Big Bell.

Garry has an infectious love for life; having held several roles whilst working with Georgiou from an operator to a leading hand, his favourite role is his unofficial one of supporting his fellow crew members. his dedication to each and every one of them is amazing.

“Garry has been an integral member of our construction team since joining Georgiou. during his time with us he has proven to be a dependable, reliable employee and a valued team member,” said Jason Ponosh, Garry’s supervisor.

“Garry has worked on some of the company’s largest projects and has proven his ability to work autonomously and successfully complete assigned tasks and projects.

“Garry is a very polite individual with an extremely dedicated, hardworking ethic. his personality is well suited to the construction industry and he has become an invaluable mentor to our Indigenous crews, encouraging them to be successful within their own right,” said Jason.

“Belly (Gary) is one of the most charismatic blokes I have ever met; it has been a privilege to work with him on this project - Belly is definitely someone I look up to and his leadership amongst us Indigenous employees has been second to none,” said lindsay Woods, Garry’s team member.

“Georgiou really look after you, if you have an interest in doing a different role they will help you work towards that goal; there are great opportunities for the future here and I can’t fault them.”

Garry (Big Bell) Bell.

“The kindness, concern, and support he has given us younger Indigenous men has made our journey through this project worthwhile,” said lindsay.

“My personal battle outside of work was hard and a struggle but Belly understood my problems and helped me a lot when I did return to work and since then, I’ve never looked back and appreciate the commitment he has given us and the confidence to be who we are...cheers Big Belly.”

Gary’s mentoring on site was recognised by rio Tinto during their inaugural Cape lambert nAIdOC Awards, at which Gary received the nAIdOC leadership Award for demonstrating leadership qualities at work and in the community.

having completed an Aboriginal leadership program with the Australian Institute of Management in 2011, Garry is keen to move into earthworks, whilst working towards a supervisor role in the future.

Garry is married with three children, two of whom are also forging their own careers with Georgiou. his son Brendan is a Trade Assistant and daughter nichole is a Site Administrator.

On SItEGarry Bell


Georgiou’s rising star - kristopher Barton

Georgiou is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which in turn unveils some rising stars in our group.

One particular rising star is kristopher Barton. While relatively new to the construction industry, kris has consistently displayed a commitment to safety and willingness to learn while completing his Certificate III in Pipelaying.

kris’s strong sense of pride in his work and prominent leadership skills were just some of the attributes which earned him the title of Indigenous Trainee of the Year at the 2011 Civil Contractors federation Awards.

“The awards night was fantastic; I did not expect to win – I look forward to completing my Certificate,” said kris.

kris is currently working on the Aspiri project as a drainers Offsider, finishing his traineeship and mixing his work between metropolitan and remote sites.

kris has followed in the footsteps of former Georgiou employee Allan Cooper, who in 2010, as a graduate of Georgiou’s first Indigenous Employment Program, received the inaugural CCf Indigenous development Award.

“We have identified a future leader.”John Georgiou, CEO, Georgiou

On SItEkristopher Barton


In november 2011, Georgiou was awarded the Indigenous development Award at the Civil Contractors federation (CCf) Awards, cementing our position as an industry leader in Indigenous development.

“This acknowledgement by CCf is a reflection of our commitment to building and maintaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander relationships through training and employment programs; an outcome of our reconciliation Action Plan (rAP),” said John Georgiou.

Through our Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees have the opportunity to work across several Georgiou operations from infrastructure, engineering, precast, plant, mining services, risk and human resources.

Georgiou’s rAP was the first in Australia’s construction industry to gain reconciliation Australia endorsement. A key measure of our rAP was the development of our training strategy and IEP.

Statement by Jeff Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Civil Contractors federation, Western Australia.“The Indigenous development Award is presented to a contractor that has shown themselves to be committed and proactive supporters of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and engagement within the civil construction industry.

Awarded for our commitment to Indigenous development

Georgiou has proven its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and employment through numerous industry leading behaviours and initiatives including:

the development of its rAP the large proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within its total workforce its delivery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific pre-employment courses which has enhanced the employment opportunities of previously disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in civil construction its membership in the CCf’s industry committee which developed landCorp’s Guidelines for Aboriginal Participation in the WA Civil Construction and landscaping Industries.

Georgiou has been an industry leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives for many years and continues to provide industry leadership through its support of measures which will further enhance the industry’s vital engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”

“Georgiou has been an industry leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives for many years.”Jeff Miller, Chief Executive OfficerCivil Contractors federation, Western Australia

2011 IEP Graduates


Relationships

“reconciliation is acknowledging the past with compassion, respect, understanding, and fostering healing. Showing understanding, embracing the differences of cultures, taking action to raise awareness and engaging people to work together for a future of equality.”

Jodie Schroder, Indigenous relations Advisor.

ACtIOn RESPOnSIBIlIty tImElInE mEASURABlE tARGEt

CHAmPIOn Senior member of the Executive Group to champion the rAP process for Georgiou

CEO July 2013 Champion appointed

GOvERnAnCE RAP Committee made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and stakeholders from across the organisation to develop and monitor progress on the rAP

CEO July 2013 Quarterly reports for Executive leadership Team

CElEBRAtE Yearly celebration of rAP milestones with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation

Training & development / Marketing

Yearly 27 May - 3 June (reconciliation

Week)

rAP celebrated with traditional custodians represented at the event

fAmIlIARISAtIOn distribute and discuss the rAP with all employees and key stakeholders

Marketing August 2012 A copy of the Georgiou rAP to be issued to all Georgiou employees

Training & development

July 2013 rAP information sessions held for all employees including the Georgiou Orientation Program

Marketing August 2012 key stakeholders, clients, partners and community alerted to rAP commitments via CEO communications

EnGAGEmEnt Build strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, professionals, organisations and communities to ensure best practice in the way we work, including a comprehensive database of Indigenous professional and community contacts to be available to all staff

Business development

June 2013 Project plan for database established

Marketing July 2013 database developed and all relevant employees trained in its use


January 2014 Build relationships with traditional custodians in our project regions

finance January 2014 Investigate membership with the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC)


July 2015 Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exposure and employee numbers in Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria

Business development / Project Teams

September 2014

Create partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations based closer to key projects

Working in collaboration with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is key to fostering long lasting and meaningful relationships.



nAtIOnAl ABORIGInAl And ISlAndER dAy OBSERvAnCE COmmIttEE (nAIdOC) Encourage staff to attend and celebrate nAIdOC activities

Training & development / Marketing

July - Yearly At least 3% of staff participate in a nAIdOC activity

ACknOWlEdGEmEnt Offices to display a plaque acknowledging traditional custodians and the rAP journey

State Offices June 2013 Plaque displayed in state offices

Project Teams January 2014 Acknowledgement of Country displayed on key projects

CROSS CUltURAl AWAREnESS tRAInInG All staff to have a strong understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures


July 2015 All staff to receive training

IndUCtIOn Cultural awareness training is a key element of Georgiou Orientation Program for all staff


January 2013 Cultural awareness training, including rAP, incorporated into the Georgiou Orientation Program

CUltURAl PROtOCOlS develop cultural protocol documents to provide a road map as to how we will engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on an ongoing basis

human resources

March 2013 Protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country developed and staff appraised of their content

Procedure discussing cultural engagement

Respect

“reconciliation to me is about respect and understanding. Acknowledge what has been our past and focus on what could be our future.” Gail Stainbank, Communications Coordinator.

We recognise the connection Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land and we respect their culture and history.

Relationships


Opportunities


ARtWORk Artwork from different regions to be displayed in state offices

rAP Committee June 2015 Artwork purchased from key delivery regions and displayed

SPOnSORSHIP Evaluation of sponsorship opportunities (cultural events, education, sporting, capacity and capability building)

rAP Committee January - Yearly

At least two new sponsorship opportunities sourced

EmPlOymEnt PlAn The development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment plan that covers employment, training and support; this is to encompass work already undertaken by Georgiou

Training & development / recruitment

June 2013 Plan developed and identified actions implemented, including a commitment to increase Georgiou’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment numbers

SUPPORt PROGRAmS Investigate employment and training support programs to increase Georgiou’s capacity for greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement


december 2012

list of possible sources developed and applications lodged


March 2015 Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships in industry related fields


March 2013 facilitate yearly internal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Program


december 2012

develop a structured onsite mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and project staff


October 2014

Increase exposure and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and corporate roles

recruitment June 2013 Expand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment mechanisms in non traditional forums


March 2013 Offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander School Based Traineeships for both office and site roles

BUSInESS SUPPORt Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business support and opportunities to be explored and a comprehensive framework developed

risk december 2013

Opportunities investigated and a plan developed which details specifically what Georgiou will and will not do; plan to include actions, accountabilities and timelines

risk / Project Teams

June 2015 Small business mentoring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander companies

Partnering with the community and providing development opportunities within the Company is how we endeavour to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to build a more sustainable future.

“reconciliation is about recognition of our history and how we can make a positive difference in the future.” Clynton Saxon, Construction Manager.


Opportunities


Support the implementation, reporting and further development of the rAP through the rAP Committee

rAP Committee Quarterly Quarterly reports for Executive leadership Team

CEO Yearly CEO to attend rAP committee meeting once a year

rAP to be registered with reconciliation Australia and made available to all staff and public

rAP Champion August 2012 rAP registered with reconciliation Australia and available on Georgiou and reconciliation Australia websites

rAP to be reviewed and reported on annually rAP Committee January - Yearly

rAP report completed and communicated to Executive leadership Team and reconciliation Australia

rAP to be reviewed and updated in 2015 rAP Committee October 2015 rAP registered with reconciliation Australia and available on Georgiou and reconciliation Australia websites

tracking progress and reporting

“for me reconciliation is about creating consistency. Therefore, reconciliation is about bridging the life quality gap that exists across race, religion and class but in this instance the Australian Indigenous population.” Anthony Coci, Project Manager.


the future

Georgiou’s journey towards reconciliation has so far been a short one, but one full of promise and opportunity for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees as well as the communities in which we work. Our successful approach has been developed around how we do our everyday business, as well as increasing awareness across the greater community.

Georgiou’s commitment to reconciliation is to play our part in closing the gap of inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Initiatives planned to meet this target include the creation of support programs that increase meaningful employment and training opportunities, implementation of specific recruitment practices, structured retention and career advancement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while continuing to be the best people to work with.

Building respectful relationships with traditional custodians of the lands as well as strengthening our Indigenous partnerships will allow us to provide greater opportunity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the communities they support. We will engage future generations and support them to embrace education, whilst offering the opportunities and tools to achieve their goals.

Georgiou appreciates and respects the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and knowledge. long term sustainable activities that benefit our business and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees will provide the solid foundation to help achieve our vision to walk together as equals.

to walk together as equals”“


Cape lambert –(l – R) travis Cowan, dave Hamilton and trevor Eades

mesa J –(l – R) david Attwood, Paul tolomei, david mcCormick, Sonya Stephens and Robert Bullio

Cape lambert – michael Slater

Amberton Project – donald turvey


About the artist

Athol farmer was born in Gnowangerup, Western Australia in 1960 and completed all of his schooling and early work on farms in the same region, a source of rich inspiration for farmer.

farmer learnt to paint as a child and used a mix of water colours, oil and acrylic on canvas. farmer watched revel Cooper and Auntie Bella kelly paint, two great landscape artists from the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Cooper had a way of painting grass trees, a favourite tree for noongar people, with just a flick of the paintbrush, and farmer was fascinated by his skill.

“I have developed a style of landscape painting from the Carrolup Mission period when noongar people lived together at the Mission settlement. landscape art depicting the bush and Australia’s unique plants and animals was and still is a way of expressing our spiritual connection to the land,” farmer explains.

“Inspiration also comes from the Australian bush and the sea and the animals which are unique to this continent. The noongar people of the Great Southern travelled from the inland areas to the coast according to the seasons. I use acrylics mainly for the definitive clarity and colour of the Western Australian bush.”


HEAd OffICE – WEStERn AUStRAlIA

68 Hasler RoadOSBORNE PARK WA 6017PO Box 1815OSBORNE PARK DC WA 6916

PH: +61 8 9200 2500FAX: +61 8 9200 2300E: [email protected]

ABN: 82 073 851 948

mElBOURnE

Level 1420 St Kilda RoadMELBOURNE VIC 3000PO Box 33173MELBOURNE VIC 3004


GEORGIOU PRECASt

201 Camboon RoadMALAGA WA 6090PO Box 1815OSBORNE PARK DC WA 6916


BRISBAnE

10 Browning StreetSOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101PO Box 5607WEST END QLD 4101


GEORGIOU PlAnt

312 Victoria RoadMALAGA WA 6090PO Box 1815OSBORNE PARK DC WA 6916


mACkAy

6/17 Brisbane StreetMACKAY QLD 4740PO Box 452MACKAY QLD 4740


© Georgiou 2012


Reconciliation Action Plan 2012 - 2015“to walk together as equals”

silkroad, inc. - reconciliation action plan...reconciliation action plan 2012 – 2015. we are proud...

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