Travel Group Innovative Reconciliation Action Plan 2018 2020 1
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our Respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging. Contents Message from the CEO 3 Our vision for reconciliation 4 Our business 5 Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 6 Our reconciliation journey 7 Relationships 8 Respect 10 Opportunities 12 Reporting and Governance 15 Message from our CEO Jeff Ellison SeaLink Travel Group s growth across Australia over the last decade has been an exciting time for our operations in the tourism and transport industry. With SeaLink now operating in five states and the Northern Territory and with over 8 million passenger journeys a year, our commitment to our customers is vital to SeaLink s continued growth. Across Northern Australia more than 40% of our customers are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, including the Tiwi, Larrakia, Anindilyakwa and Palm Island communities. In addition a large number of our tourist customers are seeking out Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences. For these reasons I am very pleased to recognise SeaLink s Reconciliation Action Plan as our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities across Australia. SeaLink will ensure we listen to and provide opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities where we work. About the Artist ALAN KERINAUIA Alan was born in Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island in 1964 and has been an artist at the Tiwi Design Art Centre since the early 1980 s. Alan is both a screen print designer and traditional Tiwi artist and Alan was commissioned by SeaLink to paint a traditional piece of art for the SeaLink Reconciliation Action Plan. Tiwi Design aims to promote, preserve and enrich Tiwi culture it supports over 100 artists to do painting, wood sculptures, textiles, ceramics, pandanus weaving and printmaking. Tiwi Design is today a thriving art centre providing service for visitors from around the world and SeaLink commenced a tour to the Tiwi Designs in 2014. Tiwi Design started from a small room under Catholic Presbytery on Bathurst Island in 1968, with Bede Tungatalum and Giovanni Tipungwuti working with the school art teacher, Madeline Clear, to produce wood block prints. By 1969 Tiwi artists were transferring their designs onto silk screens, and textiles quickly became a major activity for Tiwi Designs artists. Today Tiwi art is recognized around the world and as distinctive style, colours and storylines. 2 3
Our vision for reconciliation Our vision for reconciliation is to create an organisation that embraces and incorporates recognition, acknowledgement and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture into our everyday operations. An organisation that promotes opportunity and economic development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities. Connecting travellers with iconic places, unique destinations and memorable experiences Our Business The SeaLink Travel Group continuously strives to be Australia s most dynamic tourism and transport company connecting Australian icons and landscapes to the world. With more than 1600 employees across Australia and providing more than eight million customer journeys, SeaLink is committed to the Reconciliation process and Closing the Gap strategy. SeaLink Travel Group s Award Winning business includes operations in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory and includes our two major brands, SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruises. Our core business is marine transport and tourism services with 75 vessels working across Australia on point to point ferry route services and 30 coaches and 4WD s providing tours. Many of our services operate tourist routes including iconic destinations like Kangaroo Island, Fraser Island, the Tiwi Islands, North Stradbroke, Magnetic Islands and the emerging community of Palm Island. Other services provide crew transfers to places like Curtis Island or help community transport freight and goods on barges. SeaLink s employee workforce is well supported with Employee Assistance Programs and provides a career structure in the marine transport sector. In addition, SeaLink offers tourism related roles, customer service and administration career pathways. SeaLink has a multi-cultural workforce with a small group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait employees in Northern Australia. SeaLink has formed very strong links to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations including the Tiwi Land Council, Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust, the Anindilyakwa Land Council and the Palm Island Tourism and Transport Committee. SeaLink is an active contributor to regional tourism organisations, the Australian Tourism Export Council and state based Tourism Accreditation bodies. 4 5
Our Reconciliation Action Plan SeaLink Travel Group is a strong supporter of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Communities and People. SeaLink sees immense value in the Reconciliation Action Plan program and the important processes to achieve inclusive positive partnerships. Our Reconciliation Action Plan highlights and demonstrates our commitment with ideas and actions that we as a nation-wide organisation, including individuals, can contribute to the increased positive outcomes. We have used the principles of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities to guide us in achieving all-encompassing processes for SeaLink business. The RAP has been developed by our RAP Working Group, made up of passionate staff members. The RAP s principal advocates within the organisation along with the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are our General Manager Growth and Innovation (), the Business Manager Northern Territory (BMNT), Marketing Manager South East Queensland (MMSEQ), Group Manager People & Culture(), Marine Manager from North Queensland (MMNQ) and our Customer Service Officer (CSONT) from our Northern Territory operations. Our RAP has the support of the whole organisation. SeaLink s RAP goals and actions will be promoted to all staff at SeaLink through our RAP Working Group. Dedicated staff will be guiding the implementation of our actions and monitoring our progress throughout the Reconciliation journey which also include Chief Operating Officer () and the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). SeaLink Travel Group s Reconciliation journey commenced some time ago and as an organisation working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities it recognises the value of community support. SeaLink s commitments to community, people and culture commenced in 2011. 2011 SeaLink purchases Sunferries Ferry Company in North Queensland and continues as Major Sponsors of the Bill Coolburra Shield Annual Rugby League tournament between Palm Island and the Australian Defence Force 2012 SeaLink establish a Palm Island Tourism and Transport Committee in North Queensland to ensure strong community support and co-operation 2013 SeaLink commences operations in the Northern Territory and establishes the Tiwi Islands Tourism & Transport Committee on the Tiwi Islands in the NT 2014 SeaLink launches annual sponsorship of Obe Gei Challenge, Cathy Freeman Foundation Sporting Events and the North Queensland Cowboys Rugby League sponsorships to support Palm Island sporting events SeaLink launches with Townsville Enterprise (TEL) the Palm Island Open Day, inviting visitors from the region to experience tourism on Palm Island for the first time in over a decade SeaLink establishes a sponsorship agreement in the NT with Tiwi Bombers AFL Football Club SeaLink sponsors the Palm Island Youth boxing team and assists travel for Reggie Palm Island one of Palm Island s most successful junior athletes, competing and medaling at national titles SeaLink commences as Major Sponsor of Garbutt Magpies Junior AFL Cup in North Queensland with the Boys to Men program incorporating sponsoring Palm Island teams travel SeaLink establishes in the NT the Tiwi By Design Day Tour, collaborating with the Tiwi Design Aboriginal Corporation SeaLink launches with the Queensland Government, Regional Development Australia and the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council a $2m upgrade to the Palm Island Community Marine Facilities providing a $200k contribution SeaLink launches Reconciliation Australia events on board SeaLink Ferries in North Queensland 2015 SeaLink launches North Queensland Adventure Series and establishes regular seasonal Palm Island Day tours to promote travel and tourism to the island collaborating with local history guides, Bwgcolman Arts group and market and food stall vendors on Island SeaLink partners with North Queensland Cowboys to support Palm Island Spring Fair and NAIDOC week SeaLink establishes a relationship with the Ramindjeri Heritage Association providing sponsored travel for the gathering of the tribes meetings on Kangaroo Island 2016 SeaLink Gladstone commences mentoring activities relating to vessel operations and administration specifically as relates to local Aboriginal organisation s Marine Ranger program providing access on SeaLink vessels for local Aboriginal employees to develop skills and accrue sea-time SeaLink signs sponsorship agreement in the NT to support the Tiwi Island Bombers Youth Girls teams SeaLink sponsors Palm Island youth AFL teams to participate in the annual SeaLink Junior AFL Carnival on Magnetic Island The Garbutt Magpies Boys to Men program sponsored by SeaLink in North Queensland wins a National Reconciliation Award SeaLink purchases Stradbroke Island Ferries in SE Queensland and continues support to Aboriginal community organisations including as Yulu Burri Ba Medical Centre Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council (MMEIC) Moopi Moopi Aged Care facility to support travel to funerals, key events and NAIDOC Week celebrations SeaLink continues with the artistic presentation by a Quandamooka artist for its vehicle ferry Minjerribah commissioned as part of the 50th Anniversary of Stradbroke Island Ferries. SeaLink continues destination promotions of Straddie Camping (operated by Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation) to raise the profile of North Stradbroke Island and seeks ongoing partnership talks with QYAC to develop strong tourism partnership activity. SeaLink through Stradbroke Island Holidays continues to develop Cultural Experiences in conjunction with Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Officer for educational tourism and special interest groups SeaLink facilitates Bwgcolman Arts exhibitions in SeaLink Terminals in Townsville and Magnetic Island 2017 SeaLink establishes a partnership with the Queensland Rugby League to include Palm Island Juniors in the TJDRL (Townsville Junior District Rugby League) competition SeaLink plans with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council an opportunity for Palm Island people to be involved in the proposed Museum of Underwater Art with a view to building tourism and employment opportunities on Palm Island SeaLink commences services in East Arnhem Land supported by the Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust and the Anindilyakwa Land Council SeaLink / Captain Cook Cruises WA host Clontarf students on board services presenting work experience opportunities for students to assist in attracting more Aboriginal employees in the work place SeaLink sponsor travel for Ninti Media to produce a documentary on the journey of 3 young aboriginal men who play for Dudley United Football Club on Kangaroo Island 6 7
RELATIONSHIPS ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY RELATIONSHIPS 1 RAP Working Group (RWG) actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting. 1.1 The RAP Working Group will oversee the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP. 1.2 Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented on the RWG. 1.3 Meet at least twice per year to monitor and report on RAP implementation. Apr & Sep 2018, 2019 1.4 Establish Terms of Reference for the RWG. SeaLink Travel Group acknowledges 2.1 Organise at least one internal event for NRW each year. 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ the importance of, and will work towards, building and maintaining respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations and communities, to strengthen and enhance business, seek advice and education. 2 Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. 2.2 Register and promote all NRW events via Reconciliation Australia s NRW website. 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 2.3 Support an external NRW event. 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 2.4 Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. 2.5 Extend an invitation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share their reconciliation experiences or stories. 2.6 Encourage staff to participate by presenting NRW on Vessels and share knowledge and recognition to passengers e.g. through videos and decoration MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 2.7 Make available Reconciliation Australia s NRW resources to staff. 27 May / 3 June 2018, 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ FOCUS AREA Develop a network of relationships by connecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially the Traditional Owners of our community. 3 4 Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and sector. 3.1 Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. 3.2 Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement. 3.3 Review opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships to utilise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses to assist with our tourism services e.g. catering, cleaning, guiding. 4.1 Develop and implement a strategy to communicate our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders. April & Sep 2018, 2019 4.2 Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders. 4.3 Organise a Launch to present our RAP to the Community. CEO MM NQ BM NT, MM SEQ GM Gladstone, GM NQ, GM NT, GM SEQ General Managers, Gladstone, NQ, NT, SEQ, WA, NSW, SA CEO 5 Create an events calendar for dates of significance. 5.1 Investigate opportunities to organise an internal event to commemorate significant dates. 5.2 Include an article in our newsletter to inform employees of the significant dates. GM SA MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 5.3 Invite a local Elder to speak to our employees on National Sorry Day. 26 May 2018, 26 May 2019 MM NQ, BM NT, MM SEQ 8 9
RESPECT RESPECT SeaLink is aware of, respects, acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and cultures, which assists us to build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and provide appropriate services. FOCUS AREA Staff within SeaLink Travel Group will attend and participate in Cultural Awareness and Education. 6 7 ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY Engage employees in continuous cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning. 6.1 Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training strategy for our staff, which defines cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our business and considers various ways cultural learning can be provided (online, face to face workshops or cultural immersion). 6.2 Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to develop cultural awareness training. 6.3 Provide opportunities for RWG members, RAP champions, HR managers and other key leadership staff to participate in cultural training. June 2018, 2019 June 2018, 2019 June 2018,2019 6.4 Identify cultural learning requirements specific to our staff s training need. June 2018,2019 6.5 Investigate local cultural experiences and immersion opportunities. June 2018,2019 7.1 Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. 7.2 Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships. 7.3 Invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country at significant events, including the launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan. 7.4 Identify all important internal and external meetings where an Acknowledgement of Country can be included. 7.5 Encourage staff to consider an Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of all official meetings. 7.6 Invite Traditional Owners into our offices to explain the significance of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. 7.7 Organise and display an Acknowledgement of Country plaque in our office/s or on our office building where applicable. 7.8 Investigate opportunities for a video from a Traditional Owner in your area that is played in combination of the safety instructions on the vessel. Oct 2018 Oct 2018 General Mangers NQ, NT, SEQ, NSW, WA, SA, NSW Group Manager Human Resources Group Manager Human Resources Group Manager Human Resources GM NQ, NT Business Manager, GM SEQ 8 Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week. 8.1 Review HR policies and procedures to identify any barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week. 8.2 Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week. 8.3 Provide opportunities for all staff to participate in NAIDOC Week activities. 8.4 Support an external NAIDOC Week community event. First week in First week in First week in First week in GM NQ, GM SEQ, Business Manager NT 10 11
OPPORTUNITIES ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY 9.1 Collect information on our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment opportunities. October 2018 OPPORTUNITIES 9.2 Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment pathways and Retention strategy. 9.3 Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development. October 2018 SeaLink Travel Group plans to create and invest in employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to develop greater economic participation through engagement and the procurement of products and services. We will achieve this by connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Experiences to the World, whilst also building on the diversity of our organisation. FOCUS AREA Creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enter our workforce and to provide procurement, utilising local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. 9 10 Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week. 9.4 Ensure that vacancies are promoted through local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. 9.5 Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace. 9.6 Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professional development strategy. October 2018 9.7 Include in job advertisements, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. 9.8 Engage with external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or consultants to advise on recruitment, employment and retention strategies, including professional development. 9.9 Develop and implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment pathways (e.g. traineeships or internships). October 2018 October 2018 9.10 Develop Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mentors. 10.1 Review and update procurement policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers for procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. 10.2 Develop and communicate to staff a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services. 10.3 Develop at least one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business. October 2019 October 2019 March 2019 Business Manager NT HR Manager QLD CFO and Divisional Finance Managers CFO 10.4 Investigate Supply Nation membership. GM North Queensland 10.5 Develop and pilot an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy. March 2019 CFO 10.6 Investigate opportunities to partner with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chamber of Commerce. March 2019 GM North Queensland 10.7 Invest in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community that creates training and employment opportunities. March 2019 GM North Queensland 12 13
GOVERNANCE, TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING ACTION 11 12 13 14 Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally. Review, refresh and update RAP. DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY 13.1 Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually. Sep 2018, 2019 13.2 Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer. Sep 2018, 2019 14.1 Publicly report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings. Oct 2018, 2019 14.2 Share achievements with Staff and recognise Staff for their work and efforts in Reconciliation. Oct 2018, Oct 2019 15.1 Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements. Oct 2019 15.2 Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback. Oct 2019 15.3 Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement. March 2020 15
Travel Group CONTACT DETAILS OF RAP CHAMPIONS Paul Victory General Manager Growth & Innovation 0408 157 154 Paul.Victory@sealink.com.au Angela Panagopoulos Business Manager NT 0419 100 170 Angela.Panagopoulos@sealink.com.au IMAGES SeaLink acknowledge Tourism NT for images on Page 8 and 10 and families on Palm Island and the Tiwi Islands.