RAP builds Indigenous supply chains, cultural awareness

Great Southern Bank has concluded its inaugural 2021 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) after achieving several key milestones and completing all actions from the plan.

Launched in December 2021, the RAP has provided the Bank with the direction and focus to strengthen its relationships and build respect with First Nations peoples.

Meaningful outcomes include:

• Introducing cultural awareness training for all team members
• Evolving its supply chain to include more Indigenous suppliers
• Connecting with its sports sponsorship partners including Carlton Football Club and the Brisbane Heat to understand their journeys towards reconciliation, and
• Recognising the Traditional Owners with Acknowledgement of Country plaques across the Bank’s offices and branches.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, but there’s more to do,” said Paul Lewis, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Great Southern Bank.

“Reconciliation is a journey for us. Through our work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and through our own day-to-day activities as a bank, we are looking to do more to address some of the key barriers to financial and social inclusion,” he said.

The RAP complements the Bank’s activities during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, which are designed to promote greater understanding of First Nations’ history and cultures and help build a more inclusive future.

The Bank is currently in the planning stages for next year’s Innovate RAP.