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MEGT (Australia) LtdReconciliation Action Plan2013 – 2014

MEGT offices across AustraliaWeipaMossman GorgeCairnsMount IsaTownsvilleProserpineMackayEmeraldRockhamptonGladstoneJoondalupPerthRockinghamBunburyAlbanyCamberwellChadstoneCranbourneDandenongEppingHeidelberg WestLilydaleMelbourneMeltonMoorabbinRingwoodSunshineWerribeeBundabergHervey BayGympieMaroochydore CabooltureRomaToowoombaWarwickLauncestonHobartGold CoastIndooroopillyIpswichKelvin GroveLoganholmeSpringfield CentralBallinaTamworthPort AugustaWhyallaBerriBroken HillTareeGosfordCoffs HarbourPort MacquarieNewcastleElizabeth WestOrangeBankstownMilduraPort LincolnCampbelltownCanberraChatswoodAdelaideGriffithWollongongSwan HillGladesvilleChristie DownsWagga WaggaLiverpoolHorshamEchucaAlburyMirandaBendigoBatemans BayBegaParramattaMt GambierPenrithHamiltonWodongaSydneyBallaratWangarattaBairnsdaleWarrnamboolWarragul SheppartonGeelongDevonport Traralgon5607 AAC Office Locations 03132 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

ContentsAcknowledgements.................................................................................................... 5A message from the CEO.......................................................................................... 7What is reconciliation? ............................................................................................... 8Our vision for reconciliation ....................................................................................... 8Our business ............................................................................................................. 9MEGT statement of commitment ............................................................................10Our reconciliation journey ..........................................................................................11Relationships ............................................................................................................13Respect ....................................................................................................................14Opportunities ............................................................................................................17Tracking and reporting ...............................................................................................19MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 3

We acknowledge the traditionalcustodians of the land we workupon as the first peopleof this country.4 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

AcknowledgementsMEGT (Australia) Ltd acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(Indigenous Australians) as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon whichwe work.MEGT acknowledges all those involved in the development of MEGT’s ReconciliationAction Plan, past, present and future.A sincere and extended thank you!About the artistSonja Hodge, artist.“I was born on Yamatji land in Meekatharra W.A. My mob are the Lardil people of theGununa (Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria).My artworks are about the beginnings of life, the connections we have to the land,the environment that we belong to and also the monumental struggles we havegone through as a people, as a mob.WE HAVE SURVIVED.”MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 5

6 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

A message from the CEOIt gives me great pleasure to presentMEGT’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.MEGT is committed to reconciliation;envisaging a nation that is built onequality, diversity, unity, understandingand respect for all. As a well regardedemployment, education and trainingprovider, MEGT aims to ensure allAustralians have equal access tomeaningful and rewarding employment.After 224 years of non-Indigenoussettlement in Australia, MEGT is proudto take part in our nation’s journeytowards reconciliation. The ReconciliationAction Plan will provide MEGT witha framework to reconcile, build newrelationships, increase respect andprovide access to opportunitiesand pathways for future Australiangenerations.MEGT’s Reconciliation Action Plan isthe culmination of our experience andwork with Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people and their communities.It provides us with a formal avenue toembed reconciliation in our organisation’sculture. MEGT recognises reconciliationas a key priority in our work acrossAustralia, especially as we continue towork with the youth of Australia, throughapprenticeships, traineeships, education,training and employment.This Plan has been developed inconsultation with ReconciliationAustralia, Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people, local communities andkey stakeholders.Proudly, MEGT joins with ReconciliationAustralia and other organisations ona national platform to enable a sharedunderstanding of reconciliation and to beunified in action for the common goalof building a future for Australia that isbased on respect and equality for all.David WindridgeChief Executive Officer & DirectorMEGT (Australia) LtdMEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 7

What is reconciliation?Reconciliation is acknowledgment of the past, drawing from lessons learned andworking co-operatively to build and maintain mutually respectful relationships.Reconciliation can also be a platform for Australians to bridge the gap and to reduceinequalities and disadvantage as experienced by Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people.Achieving reconciliation involves raising awareness of past history, presentdisadvantage and seizing opportunities to bring about change for healing, justiceand cohesion.Extract from Reconciliation AustraliaWe recognise that ‘there’s no single strand to reconciliation – and it is not an easyor straightforward process. What is clear however is that reconciliation is everyone’sbusiness. We have a long-term commitment towards building meaningful relationshipsand building cultural competency with communities.’Our vision for reconciliationMEGT’s vision is to be a leader in the development of a highly skilled nation. This willbe achieved by providing quality education, training and employment pathways andopportunities for all Australians including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.MEGT acknowledges the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people andwill work towards shaping the future of Australia; one that recognises IndigenousAustralians and the wider Australian communities’ needs to achieve equalopportunities and access to employment, education and training.MEGT envisages a nation that fosters equality, diversity, unity, understanding andrespect for all.Barry O’GormanChair, Board of Directors8 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

Our businessMEGT seeks toprovide qualityservices that aredelivered withprofessionalism,honesty andtransparency.MEGT (Australia) Ltd is a not-for-profitorganisation that has been in operationsince 1982, and currently employsover 900 staff across 100 offices inAustralia and one MEGT (UK) Ltdoffice in England.MEGT provides targeted supportand services to stakeholders throughits business units, which includeRecruitment & Management Services,Australian Apprenticeships Centre andEducation. These services offera depth of expertise in vocationaltraining, employment, apprenticeshipsand traineeships for employers,students, apprentices, trainees and thewider community.MEGT seeks to provide quality servicesthat are delivered with professionalism,honesty and transparency and iscommitted to the development of strongand effective relationships throughcollaboration, teamwork, innovation andcontinuous improvement.In the delivery of these services, MEGTaims to maintain a balance betweencommunity and commercial interests.By providing a diverse range of relevant,interconnected and targeted servicesthat meet the needs of both businessand the individual, MEGT has positioneditself as a leader in the employment,education and training sector.MEGT has close and successful workingrelationships with a broad range ofindustries, government sectors andeducation providers to assist domesticand international markets with accessto training and employment. Wellestablishedrelationships particularlyexist with the manufacturing, building,hospitality, agriculture, automotive,general business, administration andretail sectors.Since 1982, MEGT’s work withthousands of apprentices, trainees anddomestic and international students hasincluded those marginalised – such aspeople from diverse cultural backgrounds,the unemployed, disadvantaged andat-risk groups.MEGT is committed to further developingand fostering opportunities for Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander people andtheir communities through qualityeducation, training and employment.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 9

MEGT statement of commitmentAll MEGT activitiesrelevant to Aboriginaland Torres StraitIslander people willbe consolidated underone framework toensure a targeted andstrategic approach.MEGT is committed to the developmentof a Reconciliation Action Plan that hasbeen progressed in consultation withAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople, Reconciliation Australia,Indigenous stakeholders and theAustralian community.This commitment is demonstratedby the establishment of a dedicatedIndigenous Group Training service –the Indigenous Apprenticeship andTraineeship Network. All MEGT activitiesrelevant to Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people are coordinated throughthis service to ensure a targeted andstrategic approach.MEGT will continue to work towardsincreasing sustainable and ongoingemployment opportunities forAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople within the organisation andthrough the apprenticeship andtraineeship system.Action items include:• the establishment of a strategicworking party that includesmanagement, staff and externalstakeholders to champion the process• the identification of MEGT’sbusiness strengths, service andsphere of influence that can beutilised to promote reconciliation• modification of internal policies,procedures and protocols thatempower the organisation to furtherstrengthen relationships, respect andopportunities for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.This statement commits MEGT toadvocate in conjunction with Australia’sfirst people to:• address serious social andeconomic disadvantage• progress reconciliation• acknowledge equal rights and equalrespect of all people• demonstrate respect and recognitionof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople, their history, land and culture• promote cultural awarenessof Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people• continue to uphold the principlesand commitments of this statement.10 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

Our reconciliation journeyMEGT would liketo sincerely thankeveryone involved inthe development ofthe MEGT RAP and fortheir commitment toreconciliation.Since commencement in 1982 MEGThas worked with Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people, governments,businesses and communities, toincrease equal employmentopportunities for all Australians.With government program fundingsupport and close relationships withcommunities, MEGT has developeda culturally appropriate mentoringand support employment model forIndigenous apprentices and traineesand established the IndigenousApprenticeship and TraineeshipNetwork in 2009. Employment throughthe Indigenous Apprenticeship andTraineeship Network has achievedapproximately 68% completion ratesand its work recognised throughmembership of the IndigenousEmployment Panel.Since 2005, MEGT’s AustralianApprenticeships Centre has alsoassisted over 6,700 Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people to gaindirect employment through anAustralian Apprenticeship.From August 2012, MEGT’s Educationservices expanded to include vocationaltraining for Indigenous Australians withcontracts through the Indigenous LandCorporation for the Mossman GorgeTraining Centre and Home Valley Station.MEGT’s Reconciliation Action Plan hasbeen developed in consultation withMEGT’s Office of the Chief Executive,Executive Management, Divisionalrepresentatives, Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people and advisors.The draft was refined with input fromReconciliation Australia.On 23 April 2013 the MEGT Boardconsidered and formally adopted thisdocument as the MEGT (Australia)Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan and madea commitment to its implementation.The MEGT Reconciliation ActionPlan provides a strategic frameworkto unite the organisation in its goal ofovercoming the differing opportunitiesthat currently exist for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people. Moreimportantly, it is a commitment tobuilding stronger partnerships withAustralia’s first people in orderto improve pathways to educationand employment for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.This is a living document. It will beregularly reviewed and monitoredto ensure MEGT continues in itscommitment to ‘Closing the Gap’.The Reconciliation Action Plan will bemanaged within Terms of Reference bya Working Group comprising membersacross the organisation.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 11

It’s a priority for MEGT to build respectful andreciprocal relationships with Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people along with industries,employers, communities and individuals.12 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

FOCUS• commitment• protocols• involvement• opportunities.RelationshipsMEGT acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were the first people of the land and that they have strivedto maintain their culture and identity for more than two centuries. It is a priority for MEGT to use its connections with industries,employers, communities and individuals to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople. MEGT will continue to encourage and foster tolerance and cultural diversity in learning environments and in the workplace.Action Responsible Timeline Measurable targetIdentify key people and stakeholders in eachcommunity where MEGT operates in orderto form mutually beneficial partnerships.Managers in each regionto provide information.30 May 2013• Development of a resource Directoryfor each Community where MEGToperates and document to be postedon the MEGT intranet.• Update quarterly.Engage with local Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people in each communitywhere MEGT operates.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager, State Key PriorityGroup Specialists and localBusiness RelationshipConsultants to collectinformation.30 May 2013• National Key Contact list to beposted on the MEGT intranet.Celebrate National Reconciliation Week byproviding opportunities for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander employees and otheremployees to build relationships.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager and State Managers.May 2013• Organise at least one internalevent each year.MEGT Reconciliation Action Plan workingparty to meet on a quarterly basis to trackthe progress of identified actions and toreport back to the Executive.MEGT Reconciliation ActionPlan working party.Human Resources30 May 2013• A working group, comprisingAboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people and otherAustralians, established tosupport the development ofthe Reconciliation Action Plan.• The working group will meetat least four times a year.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 13

RespectMEGT will promote greater understanding, inclusiveness, diversity and respect through increased participation, awarenessand communication pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, land and history.Action Responsible Timeline Measurable targetEngage employees in understandingthe protocols around acknowledgementof country and welcome to countryceremonies to ensure there is a sharedmeaning behind the ceremonies.Office of the ChiefExecutive Officer30 June 2013• Develop, implement andcommunicate a protocoldocument for Welcome toCountry and Acknowledgementof Country at appropriate events.Develop a calendar of all major eventswithin the Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander communities and communicatethe events to staff.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager15 May 2013• Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people eventtimetable completed.• Ongoing event planningscheduled.• Regular notification of eventsto MEGT staff commenced.Engage employees in cultural learning toincrease understanding and appreciation ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Learning and Developmentconsultant MEGT.January 2014• Develop cultural awarenesstraining strategy.• Distribution of inclusive marketingcollateral to all offices and campuses.• Inclusion in staff inductionsWork with Human Resources Departmentto educate new and existing staff of MEGT’sReconciliation Action Plan and commitmentsin induction program.Learning and DevelopmentConsultant.January 2014• A copy of the Reconciliation ActionPlan accessible to all staff.• A timetable established to ensureMEGT staff have the opportunity toattend Cultural Awareness training• Cultural Appreciation trainingincluded in induction of new staff.14 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

FOCUS• participation• communication• awareness.Action Responsible Timeline Measurable targetShow respect and appreciation forAboriginal and Torres Strait Islandercultures, land and history.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager and MarketingManager.30 June 2013• Document publishedon MEGT intranet andcommunicated to all staff.Create office signage to acknowledgethe local traditional owners.Marketing Manager30 August2013• Signage displayedProvide opportunities for MEGT’s Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander employees to engagewith their culture and community throughNAIDOC Week events.Divisional Managers 14 July 2013• Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander employees participatein local NAIDOC Week events.MEGT will develop a Communications Strategyand promote collateral to show respect toAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager, local BusinessRelationship Consultants,Key Priority GroupSpecialist staff andMarketing Manager.30 June 2013• Regular review of relevant contenton the MEGT website, printedmaterials, handouts and email.• MEGT Reconciliation Action Planand updates to be made availableon the MEGT website.Gain awareness through consultation withcommunity, local issues and protocols.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager, local BusinessRelationship Consultantsand Key Priority GroupSpecialist staff.30 June 2013• Establish relationships with localAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople based on mutual respect andunderstanding of local culture.• Documented informationavailable for MEGT staff workingin communities where uniqueprotocols apply.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 15

MEGT intends to increase the number ofopportunities available to Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.16 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014

FOCUS• access• inclusion• support• development.OpportunitiesMEGT intends to increase the number of opportunities available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and theircommunities in education, training and employment.Action Responsible Timeline Measurable targetPromote MEGT services to Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people and businessesas an organisation committed to Indigenousemployment, training and mentoring.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager, local BusinessRelationship Consultantsand Key Priority GroupSpecialist staff.30 June 2013• Distribution of inclusive marketingcollateral to all offices and campuses.• Information on MEGT websitereflecting MEGT’s commitment toIndigenous employment, trainingand mentoring.Investigate opportunities for MEGT toincrease employment of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.Divisional Managers 30 June 2013• Establish baseline data by reviewingpast history of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander employees.• Develop an Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander employment strategy.Research, investigate and identify currentpolicies and procedures across divisions todetermine if they are best practice to supportAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ineducation, employment and training.Human Resources, workinggroup and Divisional Managers.30 December2013• Divisional Managers to updateresources and review currentpolicies and procedures.Establish contact with schools in theareas MEGT is working to promoteCareer Pathways for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager, local BusinessRelationship Consultantsand Key Priority GroupSpecialist staff.30 June 2013• Documented information at expos.• Documented informationfor school presentations.Investigate the mutually beneficial opportunitiesthat supplier diversity will provide to MEGT.Facilities Manager 30 June 2013• Investigate becoming amember of Supply Nation.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 17

18 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014Measuring progressis vital to evaluating andcommunicating outcomes.

FOCUS• measure,• evaluate• communicate• improve.Tracking & reportingMEGT seeks to measure progress of the Reconciliation Action Plan; to evaluate, and to communicate our outcomes, whilstidentifying areas for continuous improvement.Action Responsible Timeline Measurable targetReconciliation Action Plan to be placedon the MEGT website and intranet.Marketing and Office of ChiefExecutive Officer30 May 2013• Staff to be notified of theReconciliation Action Planthrough the intranet andMEGT’s weekly up dates.MEGT Reconciliation Action Planrefresh workshop.Reconciliation ActionPlan working party andrepresentatives from DivisionsJanuary 2014• Reconciliation Action Planaction and targets reviewedand assessed for the secondReconciliation Action Plan.Regularly report progress of the ReconciliationAction Plan to the MEGT Board.Company SecretaryQuarterly• Report prepared andsubmitted to the Board.Report achievement, challenges and learningto Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in theannual Impact Measurement Report.Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkManager.30 April 2014• Reconciliation Action Planprogress is reported each yearin the Reconciliation ActionPlan Impact MeasurementQuestionnaire.MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014 | 19

MEGT (Australia) Ltd29 Ringwood StreetRingwood Victoria 3134Ph: 03 9871 5555E: info@megt.com.auW: www.megt.com.auMEGT AustralianApprenticeships CentreKeith Smith0405 145 914MEGT Recruitment &Management ServicesSteve Allen0404 824 515MEGT Indigenous Apprenticeshipand Traineeship NetworkDebra Nooyen0404 824 618MEGT InstituteMaria Treminio03 8878 54015170_MEGT Reconciliation Action Plan_051320 | MEGT (Australia) Ltd Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2014