We have been working alongside ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) to build a national company Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan will see an increase in our commitment and action toward reconciliation. We look forward to learning more and being engaged with its associated projects, as we embark on this journey as part of the CDC team.
We had the privilege to stream a cultural awareness broadcast from CDC NSW’s partner, Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC), during Reconciliation Week in May. We were treated to the screening of an incredibly moving animated short film created by KBHAC. We also listened to the stories of the KBHAC Uncles, who are Stolen Generations survivors.
It is inspiring being part of team ComfortDelGro Australia as we build committed reconciliation action.
You can read more below, about the fantastic things happening around the country during recent NAIDOC Week, to give you an idea of what we can expect to see more of.
ComfortDelGro Australia Increases Its Commitment to NAIDOC Week
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) has boosted its NAIDOC Week efforts with extensive celebrations held across Australia which recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The celebrations, which have been growing in scale and participation each year, come ahead of the company’s national Reconciliation Action Plan which is scheduled for launch later this year.
Under the leadership of CDC Northern Territory’s community engagement manager, Colin Majid, CDC celebrated through sponsorship, support and attendance of several community events in the Territory. These included the Deadly Cup, the City of Darwin NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony, the Jak Ah Kit Memorial Golf Day, Darwin NAIDOC Breakfast March and the Palmerston NAIDOC Family Fun Day.
Led by First Nations liaison officer Paul Bates, CDC NSW held events with its staff and local Aboriginal communities at its depots in Sydney and Thornton. These were attended by community partners Kinchela Boys Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) and Baabayan Aboriginal Corporation.
CDC NSW staff were treated to traditional and modern Aboriginal foods prepared by local caterers while watching dancing, participating in smoking ceremonies and learning about native artefacts. The KBHAC MEC (Mobile Education Centre) was onsite at both locations, and local community members and staff experienced truth-telling sessions presented by KBHAC’s elders.
CDC Victoria celebrated NAIDOC Week at its Wyndham depot with several guests from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, which is the Traditional Owner organisation representing the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. Guests and staff experienced a smoking ceremony and listened to stories about the traditional land on which the Wyndham depot operates, along with broader information on the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC) CEO, Nicholas Yap, said that momentum for celebration and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is building throughout the company.
“Each NAIDOC Week, we’re gaining knowledge on working more effectively with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups in the areas we serve and it’s very encouraging,” Mr Yap said.
“The outcomes from the events we’ve held this year are a good demonstration of our commitment to learning and reflecting on information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history, and we hope that our efforts to reach out is having a positive effect.
“The growing success of these activities, demonstrated by staff involvement and community attendance, shows the passion within the company and that we are in a good position to implement our upcoming Reconciliation Action Plan,” he said.”
