Innovate RAP Update 2014 - 2015
Contents
Message from our CEO ... 5
RECONCILIATION ACHIEVEMENTS ... 7
MAY 2013 – MAY 2014 ... 7
Relationships ... 8
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK CELEBRATIONS, 27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2013 ... 8
GUEST LECTURE: DR PAUL KILDEA ON CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION MAY 2013 ... 9
MABO DAY FILM SCREENING, JUNE 2013 ... 9
WATARRKA WINTER CLOTHING APPEAL, JULY 2013 ... 10
GADENS GETS CENTRED, AUGUST 2013 ... 11
GADENS GETS CENTRED, AUGUST 2013 ... 12
WANMARRA MARKET GARDEN, SEPTEMBER 2013 ... 13
Opportunities ... 14
CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS ART ... 14
Launch of National Indigenous Art Registration Service ... 14
Watarrka Art Sale, November 2013 ... 15
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREERTRACKERS ... 16
CareerTrackers Business Supervisor of the Year Award ... 18
ARTISTS IN THE BLACK WILLS TRIP, APRIL 2014 ... 19
Respect ... 20
NAIDOC WEEK, 7 - 14 JULY 2013 ... 20
WELCOME TO COUNTRY ... 20
Progress and reporting ... 20
RAP WORKING GROUP ... 20
Innovate RAP Minimum Actions 2014 – 2015: ... 21
RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND REPORTING... 21
Relationships ... 22
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK CELEBRATIONS, 27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2014 ... 22
Guest lecture: Dr Paul Kildea ... 22
JUNE 2014: LILLA FOUNDATION SUPPORT ... 22
AUGUST 2014: GADENS GETS CENTRED PROGRAM ... 22
Opportunities ... 23
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREERTRACKERS ... 23
EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY... 23
CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING ... 23
SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS BUSINESS ... 23
Respect ... 24
WELCOME TO COUNTRY ... 24
NAIDOC WEEK, JULY 2014 ... 24
Progress and reporting ... 24
RAP WORKING GROUP ... 24
ANNUAL IMPACT MEASUREMENT REPORT ... 24
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 5
Message from our CEO
In May 2013, Gadens proudly launched our second Reconciliation Action Plan, our Innovate RAP, in partnership with Reconciliation Australia. Over the past year, we have consolidated our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, through the numerous initiatives outlined in this Innovate RAP Update. This document highlights the firm’s partnership with Indigenous Australia, our successes to date and our objectives for the period from May 2014 to May 2015.As a firm, Gadens believes that reconciliation is important to our people, our clients, our community and Australia’s future.
Our Innovate RAP reflects our belief that education is the key in helping to ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The process of reconciliation is an ongoing journey. We look forward to continuing to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to build relationships, and to create opportunities to help close this gap.
Ian Dardis
Chief Executive Officer, Gadens May, 2014
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 7
RECONCILIATION ACHIEVEMENTS
MAY 2013 – MAY 2014
Relationships
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
CELEBRATIONS,
27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2013
Gadens consolidated its commitment to ‘closing the gap’ with the launch of the firm’s second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Innovate RAP for 2013-14 at our official National Reconciliation Week celebration
on 30 May 2013.
Uncle Allen Madden of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council officially opened the celebration which was attended by over 120 staff, clients and other invited guests with a Welcome to Country to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land. The firm’s two CareerTrackers interns, Clark Donovan and Rosemary Tabuai, organised the entertainment for the evening. Clark Donovan invited fellow law student Ivor Rigney to play his grandfather’s didgeridoo for the gathering and Rosemary Tabuai brought a touch of her birthplace to the heart of the Sydney CBD, organising a vibrant performance from
Torres Strait Islander dance group
Urban Zenadh Kes, to entertain with
traditional dance and song. Both performances were unforgettable highlights of the evening.
Remote Tours also attended the evening and provided attendees with an update on how its partnership with Gadens is working to support the Lilla community and the Watarrka and Lasseter Group Schools in Central Australia. Amongst the many ongoing activities, the partnership provides exchanges between the Lilla community and Gadens’ solicitors, promoting cultural awareness and demonstrating Gadens’ belief that education is the key to ‘closing the gap’.
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 9
GUEST LECTURE: DR PAUL KILDEA ON
CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION AND
PROPOSED LEGISLATION
MAY 2013
As part of National Reconciliation Week 2013, Rosemary Tabuai, one of our CareerTrackers Interns, invited her lecturer Dr Paul Kildea, to give an insightful presentation and discussion on the future of a referendum to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recognised in our nation’s Constitution. Dr Kildea, a lecturer at the UNSW Faculty of Law, provided insights into the history of events that have led to a planned referendum for this important constitutional reform, and to the recommendations that have been made by a panel of experts relating to the amendments required. In March 2013 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2012 was agreed to, allowing for interim amendments to be made to the constitution. However the referendum which was planned for September 2013 has been postponed in order to increase public awareness of the amendments required.
This discussion was a highlight of National Reconciliation Week and we look forward to future updates on this constitutional reform.
MABO DAY FILM SCREENING,
JUNE 2013
To wrap up National Reconciliation Week, our Sydney staff were invited to a screening of the film Mabo starring Deborah Mailman and Jimi Bani. Mabo tells the story of Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Torres Strait Islander who left school at 15, yet spearheaded the High Court challenge that once and for all overthrew the notion of terra nullius.
WATARRKA WINTER CLOTHING APPEAL,
JULY 2013
From the heart of Gadens to the heart of Australia, 11 boxes of clothes and blankets made the 2000km journey from Gadens’ Sydney office to the remote Lilla and surrounding communities, located in Central Australia. With Central Australian nights averaging between 4 and 6 degrees celsius, and the nearest clothes store a couple of hundred kilometres away, Gadens partners and staff rolled up their sleeves and organised a clothing appeal to provide some additional warmth to the remote communities.
Over a four week period, donations ranging from children’s boots to thick winter jackets and winter blankets were collected in Gadens’ Sydney office, culminating in a stockpile that filled 11 boxes.
The donations were then handed to Reg Ramsden of Remote Tours at our official National Reconciliation Week celebration held on Thursday, 30 May 2013.
Upon arriving in Lilla the clothes were then arranged in a market-style set-up and members of the communities were able to choose their winter wears.
Commenting on the clothing appeal and the firm’s relationship with the Lilla and surrounding communities, Gadens partner
Campbell Hudson said: “The volume of clothing donated was overwhelming. The level of support shown by our people is indicative of just how special our relationship with the Lilla and surrounding communities truly is to so many people across the firm.”
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 11
GADENS GETS CENTRED,
AUGUST 2013
In its second consecutive year, the Gadens Gets Centred program continued last year with a group of Gadens partners and staff visiting the community of Lilla in central Australia, to help ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
One of the highlights of the inaugural trip in 2012 was working with the students of the Watarrka School to write a new school song in both English and the local language, Luritja, aimed at building pride in the
students’ school and culture. The song centres on the ‘three great mobs’, represented by the students of Lilla, Wanmarra and Ulpanyali. Over one week in August 2013, the Gadens team - armed with guitars and a video camera - and school students combined to record a music video for the school song. The video was aired on VAMP TV, a multimedia project that allows remote and regional communities to connect with each other.
Click here to watch the Watarrka School Song video. The Gadens team also provided support across a number of
educational and healthy living activities including helping the students with interactive learning tests, reading exercises, music lessons, and hosting cross-country and relay running events.
Promoting the importance of education, Gadens partner Campbell Hudson said: “Education is the key to closing the gap. This is a mutually beneficial experience. Students of the school benefit from the skills of our Gadens staff, and our staff are captivated by an experience that is life-changing in terms of their cultural awareness.” The visit continues Gadens’ partnership with Reg Ramsden of Remote Tours, who plays a key role in connecting the three remote communities and provides ongoing support to their people and to the Watarrka School.
GADENS GETS CENTRED,
AUGUST 2013
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 13
WANMARRA MARKET GARDEN,
SEPTEMBER 2013
Gadens Sydney hosted an internal bake sale on 23 September 2013 to raise funds for the development of a market garden in Wanmarra, a neighbouring community of Lilla.
A small scale farm run by local Aboriginal farmer Peter Abbot and his wife Chris, the market garden was in need of rejuvenation, with a large amount of fertiliser required to maintain a fresh crop of seedlings.
Through the bake sale, Gadens donated over $800 to the Lilla Foundation, in support of the market garden at Wanmarra. Peter and Chris Abbot were able to purchase fertiliser and some essential gardening supplies with the funds. This will allow them to maintain the market which provides fruit and vegetables to the community. This fresh produce is otherwise very expensive and not easily accessible in remote Australia.
Opportunities
CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS ART
LAUNCH OF NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART REGISTRATION
SERVICE
On Tuesday 26 November 2013 Gadens and the Arts Law Centre of Australia launched the National Indigenous Art Registration Service, a pro bono initiative to protect the artworks of Indigenous Australians.
The National Indigenous Art Registration Service combines the legal expertise of Gadens and the Arts Law Centre to ensure that Indigenous art is correctly registered under the Australian Government’s Personal Property and Security Register (PPSR).
The project was officially launched by the Arts Law Centre Board President, The Hon Justice Margaret Beazley AO (pictured below right) and Gadens’ Head of Pro bono Jodie Wauchope at Gadens in Sydney (pictured below left in centre with Reg Ramsden, Remote Tours on left, and Delwyn Everard, Deputy Director, Arts Law Centre of Australia, on right), at our annual Celebration of Indigenous Art event which was attended by approximately 120 members of the arts, business, legal and Indigenous communities. Justice Beazley described the initiative as an “absolutely essential program” and went on to describe Gadens’ commitment to Indigenous issues as “inspirational” and had provided the Arts Law Centre of Australia with “the hope that we can keep this going”.
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 15
WATARRKA ART SALE,
NOVEMBER 2013
The Celebration of Indigenous Art also hosted the 2013 Watarrka Art Sale which raised an incredible sales total of $59,160, nearly double the sales achieved at the inaugural Art Sale in 2012.
Guests had the opportunity to purchase artworks which ranged in price from $15 to $16,000 and were treated to an amazing performance given by Casey Donovan, pictured right, (sister of our CareerTrackers intern Clark Donovan), as well as Ivor Rigney on the didgeridoo.
The Watarrka Art Sale continued throughout Tuesday and Wednesday with a large number of artworks purchased by clients, guests and staff, raising funds to support the Lilla Foundation and Indigenous artists.
Proceeds of these works directly support the Indigenous artists, with 20% of the proceeds donated to the Lilla Foundation, which supports Indigenous Australians in the central desert region.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREERTRACKERS
Over the last year Gadens has consolidated our ongoing partnership with CareerTrackers, a national non-profit organisation that works withIndigenous university students and private sector companies to create career pathways through a structured internship program.
Our CareerTrackers interns, Rosemary Tabuai and Clark Donovan who joined Gadens in 2012, continue their internship with Gadens through employment in our corporate and financial services recovery business unit respectively. Gadens is committed to supporting Rosemary and Clark’s professional career development in addition to furthering their education and completing their law degrees. Manny Bell, Gadens summer clerk for
2013/2014 completed his clerkship with Gadens in partnership with CareerTrackers Queensland.
ROSEMARY TABUAI, CAREERTRACKERS INTERN
Rosemary Tabuai is a Saibailaig and Meriam neur from the Western and Eastern region of the Torres Strait Islands and is currently completing her fourth year of a Bachelor of Laws and Arts, majoring in environmental humanities at the University of New South Wales. Rosemary continues her internship with Gadens through the CareerTrackers program which she commenced in 2012 and has recently been appointed by CareerTrackers as one of three Student Ambassadors for NSW, effective July 2014. As part of this, Rosemary will receive training to assist with welcoming new students into the CareerTrackers community, facilitating training workshops, assisting students to develop their CV and to help prepare students for their corporate interview.
As part of her internship, Rosemary has recently completed a placement in Gadens’ Financial Services Recovery team and is now on rotation in the firm’s Corporate business unit. In April 2014 Rosemary presented a CLE session to the Corporate team titled ‘Torres Strait Islands – Legal Issues and Opportunities’, which was an excellent opportunity to share her knowledge of the key legal issues and legislation that govern the Torres Strait, as well as highlighting the commercial opportunities that are available. Rosemary has been sponsored by the NSW Bar Association to attend the biennial World Indigenous Legal Conference to be hosted in Brisbane in June, 2014. This will include workshops on economic development, and Rosemary looks forward to returning to Gadens to share her insights and knowledge gained from the event.
Rosemary has been an instrumental part of Gadens’ reconciliation initiatives. At the launch of the firm’s Innovate RAP during National Reconciliation Week in 2013, Rosemary brought a touch of her homeland to Gadens, organising a vibrant performance from Torres Strait Islander dance group
Urban Zenadh Kes, to entertain with traditional dance and song. “This was a
very special opportunity to be able to combine the culture of the Torres Strait Islands and my family’s story with the Gadens community. My relatives are a part of this dance group and it was wonderful for me to be able to share this with them” Rosemary said. Reflecting on her internship Rosemary says “working at Gadens has been an invaluable experience and I look forward to
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 17
CLARK DONOVAN, CAREERTRACKERS INTERN
Clark Donovan is a proud Gumbaynggirr man from northern New South Wales. He is currently in his second year studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney.
For two years Clark has been a part of the Gadens team through the CareerTrackers program.
During this time, Clark has worked in our Financial Services Recovery, Employment and Safety, and Financial Products and Services business units.
In doing this, he has developed his legal and professional skills with the assistance of Gadens partners and staff.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to be given an opportunity like this” he said. “A position like this for an Indigenous man 50 years ago would have been unheard of and this opportunity genuinely shows Gadens’ strong commitment to Reconciliation”.
Clark has been deeply involved in various RAP initiatives throughout his time at Gadens, such as the firm’s Innovate RAP Launch and the Watarrka Art Sale.
“Gadens and CareerTrackers have both assisted me in developing my personal and professional skills as an emerging commercial lawyer” said Clark. “The skills that I have obtained will enable me to help in my peoples’ struggle for reconciliation and contribute to my development as
a commercial lawyer. Gadens strives to build enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” Clark said.
Clark wishes to become a leading commercial advocate, and contribute to helping to “close the gap” between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“We cannot change the past, however, we can still change the future. I am proud to be a part of Gadens in the healing process of Australia’s first people”.
CAREERTRACKERS BUSINESS SUPERVISOR OF THE
YEAR AWARD
Gadens partner Campbell Hudson was named Business Supervisor of the Year at the 4th Annual CareerTrackers Gala Dinner Awards, held at the Westin Hotel in Sydney on 30 January 2014.
Campbell was recognised at the gala dinner, which attracted over 700 CareerTrackers interns and leading members of the Australian business community, for his ‘outstanding supervision of one or more interns’ .
Gadens’ CareerTrackers interns Clark Donovan and Rosemary Tabuai were given the honour of presenting Campbell with the award and spoke of Campbell’s commitment to their development.
“To truly describe a man, we must encapsulate the essential truth of a person - their values, their responsibility and their unique qualities, that capture the spirit of a man, and illuminate the soul. Professionalism, respect and culture are values that I would use to describe this man.”
“Campbell is a great colleague, mentor and most of all a good friend," Clark and Rosemary said.
Campbell said he was humbled to receive the award. “It was a great honour to receive the Business Supervisor of the Year award last night. We are very fortunate at Gadens to have CareerTrackers interns Rosemary Tabuai, Clark Donovan and Manny Bell, working with us. Their commitment to their work and passion for the law is inspirational to all of us. We are privileged to be able to support Rosemary, Clark and Manny with their journey towards becoming Australia’s leading lawyers.”
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 19
ARTISTS IN THE BLACK WILLS TRIP,
APRIL 2014
In April 2014, Gadens Dispute Resolution solicitor Eleanor Wheelhouse and Property senior associate Matthew Geary travelled to the remote
communities of Fitzroy Crossing and Mowanjum, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, for the Arts Law Centre of Australia’s most recent Artists in the Black Wills Trip.
Matthew, Eleanor, and Delwyn Everard, Deputy Director, Arts Law Centre of Australia, provided pro bono advice on the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA) to the artists of the Mangkaja Art Centre in the remote town of Fitzroy Crossing, about 400 kilometres from Broome.
The team provided advice on intestacy and drafted wills for artists from major language groups in the region, including Gooniyandi, Bunuba,
Walmajarri and Wangkajungka. This work helps to ensure that the copyright of paintings and any resale royalties are left to the artists’ families after their passing. Creating these wills helps to reduce the number of disputes that commonly occur when an artist dies intestate, such as where they are to be buried. This involved discussing intestacy issues with the artists, and mapping family trees in order to communicate family relationships.
The solicitors also advised the Mangkaja Art Centre on how the PPSA may affect the art centre’s consignment arrangements with art galleries, and prepared a consignment agreement for the artists to register their artworks as a security interest. This advice is part of the National Indigenous Art Registration Service, a pro bono initiative which Gadens has established in partnership with the Arts Law Centre of Australia to protect the artworks of Indigenous Australians. This service helps to ensure that Indigenous art is correctly registered under the Australian Government’s Personal Property and Security Register (PPSR).
Since 2011 Gadens has partnered with the Arts Law Centre of Australia’s Artists in the Black Wills Project, continuing a joint commitment to supporting Indigenous Australians.
Respect
NAIDOC WEEK,
7 - 14 JULY 2013
In recognition of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week, Gadens hosted a NAIDOC Week film festival on Wednesday 10 July 2013. Partners and staff were invited to join our RAP Working Group for a screening of a series of short 10 minute films about the experiences of our Indigenous community today.
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Over the last year Gadens has continued to ensure a welcome to country ceremony is included at significant firm events, with the CEO or senior management delivering an acknowledgement of country.
Uncle Allen Madden of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (pictured right) officially opened our National Reconciliation Week
Celebration in 2013 which was attended by over 120 staff, clients and other invited guests, with a Welcome to Country to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land.
Progress and reporting
RAP WORKING GROUP
Our RAP Working Group continues to meet quarterly to review our Innovate RAP on an ongoing basis and the progress of the actions planned for the year ahead.
The Working Group includes a cross section of staff including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, who report back to Gadens regarding achievements and important updates, encouraging staff to participate in the journey to reconciliation.
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 21
INNOVATE RAP MINIMUM
ACTIONS 2014 – 2015:
RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND
REPORTING
Relationships
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
CELEBRATIONS,
27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2014
GUEST LECTURE: DR PAUL KILDEA
In celebration of National Reconciliation Week we will be welcoming Dr Paul Kildea back to Gadens. Lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales, Dr Kildea will return for a follow up presentation and update on the proposed referendum to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recognised in our nation’s Constitution.
Dr Kildea gave an informative lecture on the proposed referendum during National Reconciliation Week last year which generated some insightful conversation and we look forward to further discussion on the progression of this important reform.
JUNE 2014: LILLA FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Gadens continues to partner with Reg Ramsden, Founder of the Lilla Foundation which works to deliver sustainable change and improve opportunity for the children and communities of Lilla and the surrounding Watarrka area.The Foundation is committed to the ongoing success of programs for the children of the Lilla and surrounding Watarrka area, providing them with a future that leads to sustainable employment.
Key future projects of the Lilla Foundation include:
establishing a secondary school campus so students can study in their own community;
hosting a sports program for students in the region;
alleviating food issues and establishing a delivery program; and
refurbishing community housing and upgrading of existing infrastructure
AUGUST 2014: GADENS GETS CENTRED
PROGRAM
The Gadens Gets Centred Program continues in 2014 as a Lilla Story Telling and Sports Festival.
From Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 August 2014 Gadens partners and staff will lead children from the Lilla and surrounding Indigenous communities in a sports carnival to learn about health, nutrition and fitness as well as cultural activities and setting future life goals.
The festival will bring together students and community members of Lilla and Imanpa for a three day fun packed and educational experience with a focus on physical activity, health, nutrition, poetry and art.
In its third consecutive year, the program continues Gadens’ strong
partnership with the Lilla and surrounding communities, with Remote Tours and the Lilla Foundation.
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 23
Opportunities
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREERTRACKERS
Since 2011 Gadens has partnered with CareerTrackers, to support the career pathways of Indigenous university students through a structured internship program.In the year ahead we will continue to work with CareerTrackers and private sector companies to support the career development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students.
We continue to support our CareerTrackers interns Rosemary Tabuai and Clark Donovan through casual employment as they complete their university degrees.
Gadens will partner with CareerTrackers from 2014-2015 to provide an internship to an additional two Indigenous University students.
In June 2014 Gadens and CareerTrackers are hosting a lunch in celebration of National Reconciliation Week and Indigenous initiatives in Corporate Australia with guest speaker Michael McLeod Chair of CareerTrackers. We see education and employment as the key to helping to ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and our partnership with CareerTrackers is integral to this.
EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Gadens is committed to supporting the education and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Our employment opportunities will now be advertised in the Koori Mail, fulfilling the target set in our Innovate RAP to help maximise access to these opportunities in Indigenous communities.
CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
In partnership with Reconciliation Australia, a selection of our partners and staff participate in cultural awareness training, supporting their
understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures.
Over the last year Gadens has established diversity working groups in the key areas of culture, flexibility and gender. Initiatives have been established for the year ahead across each of these key areas, with a focus on the cultural diversity of our people, our clients and our community.
As a part of these diversity initiatives, our leaders will participate in cultural awareness and unconscious bias training in the year ahead, as a part of our learning and development program and recruitment strategy.
SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
Yaru Water is Australia’s first Indigenous bottled water provider and has supplied Gadens with bottled sparkling water for client lunches and seminars since 2012. We continue to support Yaru water and Australia’s Indigenous business community.
Respect
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Gadens acknowledges the traditional owners of the land at all of the firm’s significant events. Over the coming year, an Acknowledgment of Country protocol document will be developed and implemented to ensure all partners and staff are aware of this important ceremony.
NAIDOC WEEK,
JULY 2014
Gadens will again be recognising National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week through promotion of NAIDOC community events taking place locally throughout the week, which partners and staff will be invited to attend.
Progress and reporting
RAP WORKING GROUP
Our RAP Working Group will continue to meet quarterly over the year ahead, to review our Innovate RAP and the objectives set within this for the period up until May 2015.
Individuals within the Working Group will be responsible for leading specific initiatives and targets planned for the year ahead.
Achieving these will allow us to consolidate our existing relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses and to continue to partner with our clients and corporate community in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
ANNUAL IMPACT MEASUREMENT REPORT
We will continue to report on Gadens’ achievements, challenges and findings to Reconciliation Australia, for inclusion in the Annual Impact Measurement Report, through completion of the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire.INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 25
INNOVATE RAP MINIMUM
ACTIONS 2014 – 2015:
RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND
REPORTING
INNOVATE
Reconciliation Action Plan
GADENS SYDNEY
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN FOR THE YEARS 2014/2015
OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION
There are two key drivers behind the development of our RAP:
Our desire to
engage directly
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to work alongside the communities we engage with to
help them achieve improved living standards and social and educational outcomes.
Our wish to
broaden the appreciation
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by directly engaging our people and our clients with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities and art in mutually beneficial ways.
OUR BUSINESS
Gadens Sydney is part of the Gadens network of law firms which has offices in every mainland state, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. The
Sydney office has a total of 438 staff as at May 2014. This includes 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Our clients, from ASX 100 companies to private enterprises, choose us to advise them on the legal issues that are at the heart of their businesses.
We take a sustainable approach to the delivery of service and are committed to helping our clients, communities and people to grow.
Our values - collaboration, openness, respect, excellence and integrity - are at the heart of everything we do.
OUR RAP
Our RAP Working Group (RWG) will take responsibility for monitoring our performance against our RAP objectives and will report on the set targets.
Our RAP Committee has the full support of Gadens Sydney’s Senior Management. The RWG is comprised of a cross selection of Gadens
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 27
RELATIONSHIPS
At Gadens, our success depends on strong relationships with our clients and between our people. We view strong relationships between Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians as essential to achieving reconciliation.
Likewise, the success of our Innovate RAP will depend on relationships between our organisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
TARGET
The Gadens RAP Working Group (RWG)
1.
continues to actively monitor RAP
development, including implementation of
actions, tracking progress and reporting.
Partner/ Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2015
Meets at least 4 times per year to monitor and report on
RAP implementation and measure targets.
Celebrate NRW by providing opportunities
2.
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employees and other employees to build
relationships.
Partner / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
27 May- 3 June,
2013. Complete for
2013 and ongoing
for 2014 – 2015.
Organise a series of events to celebrate this week and
encourage attendance from all Gadens staff. Events
include a talk on the referendum, an evening celebration
of National Reconciliation Week where the Innovate RAP
will be launched and an evening film screening of ‘Mabo’.
Gadens’ ongoing involvement with
3.
Reconciliation Australia’s Learning Circles
Events Manager /
Partner / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2015
Gadens continues to support and host Reconciliation
Australia’s Learning Circles at our offices throughout
Australia.
Maintain working relationship with Legal
4.
Profession Reconciliation Network (LPRN)
Gadens Sydney
solicitors
May 2015
Gadens will continue to participate in the LPRN meetings
Gadens will continue to provide pro bono
5.
work to various Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander organisations
Pro bono Partner
May 2015 - ongoing
Gadens will continue to provide pro bono support with the
Arts Law Centre of Australia and on wills trips to
Aboriginal communities
Continue to strengthen our partnership with
6.
the Aboriginal community in Central
Australia including the Watarrka
community
Gadens Sydney
staff
May 2014 – actions
complete for 2013
and ongoing for
2014 – 2015.
A proposal to run a second educational activity or trip for
school children is currently in progress. Location will be
either Central Australia or Sydney.
Gadens will host a second art sale at the Sydney office in
December 2013. Funds raised will support communities in
Central Australia
donation for the Watarrka community.
RESPECT
Gadens has a diverse workforce and respect is one of the core values that we promote amongst our staff. Consistent with the high value we place on
respect for one another, we see ourselves as having a role to play in encouraging respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, land and
history within our workforce.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
TARGET
Engage employees in understanding the
1.
protocols around Acknowledgement of
Country and Welcome to Country
ceremonies to ensure there is shared
meaning behind the ceremonies.
Partner / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2015
Gadens Sydney will develop, implement and
communicate a protocol document around the
Acknowledgment of Country and Welcome to Country.
Gadens has identified at least one significant opportunity
for this during our National Reconciliation Week
celebration on 30 May 2013, at which a Welcome to
Country from a Traditional Owner will be included.
Gadens Sydney will engage employees in
2.
cultural learning to increase understanding
and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander cultures.
Partner / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
August 2014
Develop and implement a cultural awareness training
strategy for Gadens Sydney.
Provide opportunities for Gadens
3.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
employees to engage with their culture and
community through NAIDOC Week events.
Partner /Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
July 2014
Advertise NAIDOC week events and provide opportunities
for all staff to attend.
Gadens will also ensure opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees are available to
participate in local NAIDOC Week events.
Gadens Sydney will seek to provide sponsorship for a
INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 29
OPPORTUNITIES
We recognise that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have historically been denied access to a wide range of opportunities, and that as a result
organisations may have missed out on valuable contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
At Gadens, we believe that education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians will assist in overcoming that
historical injustice and lead to more equal opportunity.
As lawyers, we would like to see greater access to justice for all Australians including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We provide pro bono legal
services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians so that they have the opportunity to access legal representation.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
TARGET
Investigate opportunities within Gadens to
1.
increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander employment opportunities.
Partner / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2014 – May
2015
Gadens will continue working with the CareerTrackers
Internship program and will recruit another 2 interns in mid
2014.
Commence advertising job vacancies in Indigenous media
Gadens will research, develop and implement an
Indigenous employment strategy
Investigate opportunities to increase
2.
supplier diversity for Gadens.
Client Services
Manager / Head of
Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2014 – May
2015
Gadens Sydney will utilise a minimum of 3 Aboriginal and
TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING
At Gadens, we are excited to continue our RAP journey and are committed to the actions set out in this document.
We therefore commit to reporting on our progress as we recognise the value in learning from our experience. We hope that the lessons we learn
will also benefit other organisations.
ACTION
RESPONSIBILITY
TIMELINE
TARGET
Report achievements, challenges and
1.
learnings to Reconciliation Australia for
inclusion in the Annual Impact
Measurement Report.
Head of Human
Resources and
Sustainability
September 2014
Gadens RAP Working Group will complete and
submit the RAP Impact Measurement
Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia
annually.
Monitor Progress and achievements
2.
through the Gadens RAP Working Group
Head of Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2014 – May
2015
Members of the RAP Working Group will be
assigned specific targets from the Innovate RAP
to monitor and report on
Gadens will refresh and develop a third
3.
RAP for 2014/2015
Head of Human
Resources and
Sustainability
May 2015
Gadens RAP Working Group will develop and
revise RAP for 2014/2015
CONTACT DETAILS
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Papua New Guinea T +675 308 4600 Singapore
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