C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest third-party logistics providers, has announced its partnership with the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC), and the formal incorporation of a reconciliation action plan (RAP) into all facets of its Australian operations.
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C.H. Robinson has a strong Australian presence and this commitment to iDiC will ensure that all employees are provided education about Indigenous cultures through induction programs and e-learning courses. The iDiC partnership also aims to develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.
Andrew Coldrey, vice president, Oceania at C.H. Robinson, said, "Last year, as part of our planning for future growth, we formed a RAP working group comprised of senior executives from C.H. Robinson and iDiC – including CEO Adam Goodes – to develop and fully engage the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan."
Goodes welcomed C.H. Robinson’s commitment to reconciliation: "C.H. Robinson had the vision to create stronger partnerships within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses and has worked with the iDiC to develop and implement a practical plan for moving forward. C.H. Robinson are committed partners and are great to work with."
One of the companies helping C.H. Robinson to reinvent commerce in Australia is 'We Create Print Deliver', an advertising and business services company in South Australia. Pat Caruso, director, We Create Print Deliver, conveyed that the national requirements of C.H. Robinson assist in maintaining its day-to-day operations and increase job security for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.
"We hope to grow our working relationship with C.H. Robinson as this type of partnership has great potential to help build Indigenous owned businesses and their local communities," Caruso said.
C.H. Robinson continues to engage and inform staff of the responsibilities and activities within the RAP, and aims to raise awareness of the program with suppliers and customers. They also plan to work with iDiC to introduce scholarships and vocational training for Indigenous students.
C.H. Robinson is implementing its RAP throughout Australia, where it has offices in Wajuk Country (Western Australia), Kaurna Country (South Australia) Boomwurrunga Country (Victoria), Woiworung Country (Victoria), Eora Country (NSW) and Yuggara Country (Queensland).
The Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC) was established because of Indigenous owned and controlled businesses seeking to participate in the delivery of long-term nation building projects. Projects that build sovereign capability and infrastructure, offering longer term contracts and relationships with clients and meaningful participation of the Indigenous business sector.