Indigenous Employment Achievements Celebrated
UnitingCare NSW.ACT this week celebrates its achievements as a Corporate Leader in Indigenous Employment, reflecting on the commitment made last year to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff throughout the organisation
With a workforce of 6,500 people, UnitingCare NSW.ACT has been working to achieve a 2% target of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and in the last 12 months is showing strong progress already reaching 1.2%.
Executive Director of UnitingCare NSW.ACT, Rev Harry Herbert said, “Our aim with the Indigenous Employment Strategy is not just about making up quotas or achieving targets, it’s about providing meaningful, fulfilling employment and career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a full range of occupations at all levels.”
Funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the UnitingCare NSW.ACT Indigenous Employment Strategy outlines nine key objectives designed to increase the capacity and capability of the organisation to recruit, retain and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in a culturally sensitive workplace.
A number of initiatives already underway include adjustments to recruitment processes, with an increased focus on producing culturally appropriate advertisements and selection criteria that include life experience as well as formal qualifications. Interview panels also have an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff member present if the interviewee is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicant
Wider consultation and closer links with Indigenous communities, organisations and agencies has also taken place. Staff have participated in several Koori Interagency meetings and have attended local council meetings to establish partnerships.
Future plans include cultural awareness training for all staff within UnitingCare NSW.ACT, and holding annual gatherings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to provide ongoing support and to assist in workforce retention.
UnitingCare NSW.ACT is proud of its achievements and hopes to sustain these developments to become an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW.
For media enquiries, call Kelly Jones 0408 689 499
Event details Friday 26 June 2009 10.30am- 12.00 noon Parramatta Park Café Byrnes Ave Parramatta
