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Innovate RAP Update 2014 - 2015

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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

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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

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INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 7

RECONCILIATION ACHIEVEMENTS

MAY 2013 – MAY 2014

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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’.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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GADENS GETS CENTRED,

AUGUST 2013

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREERTRACKERS

Over the last year Gadens has consolidated our ongoing partnership with CareerTrackers, a national non-profit organisation that works with

Indigenous 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

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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”.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 21

INNOVATE RAP MINIMUM

ACTIONS 2014 – 2015:

RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND

REPORTING

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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.

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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.

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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.

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INNOVATE RAP UPDATE 2014 - 2015 25

INNOVATE RAP MINIMUM

ACTIONS 2014 – 2015:

RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT, OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS AND

REPORTING

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Adelaide Level 1 19 Gouger Street Adelaide SA 5000 T + 61 8 8233 0600 Brisbane Level 11, ONE ONE ONE

111 Eagle Street Brisbane QLD 4000 T + 61 7 3231 1666 Melbourne Level 25, Bourke Place

600 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 T + 61 3 9252 2555 Perth Level 7 150 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 T + 61 8 9323 0999 Port Moresby Level 5 BSP Haus Harbour City Konedobu Port Moresby NCD 121

Papua New Guinea T +675 308 4600 Singapore

#09-06 One Raffles Quay North Tower Singapore 048583 T + 65 6506 7350 Sydney 77 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 T +61 2 9931 4999

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