Corporate Traveller’s parent company Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) recently hosted a panel discussion at its Brisbane HQ to mark the start of National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June.
The panel of speakers explored the tangible ways to embody National Reconciliation Week’s 2022 theme of ‘Be Brave. Make Change’.
The event was held on Yuggera land and forms part of Corporate Traveller’s and FCTG’s commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that was launched in February this year.
At the event a $20,000 donation was presented to Deadly Choices, for its sub-fund within the Queensland Community Foundation, to perpetually fund Aboriginal health programs. Deadly Choices is a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health. The donation included $10,000 from FCTG, which was matched by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).
Discussing how to ‘Close the Gap’, panellists included CEO of the Institute for Urban and Indigenous Health Adrian Carson, Indigenous Partnerships Manager QIC Andrew Niven, CEO of Queensland Community Foundation Tara Castle and FCTG National Social Impact Manager Tyler Miscannon. The MC was Deadly Choices Ambassador, former professional rugby League footballer, Steve Renouf.
The event highlighted the health gap faced by First Nation’s people. It stressed the importance of educating younger generations and ensuring there was broader community understanding as to why such gaps have occurred.
As part of its reconciliation journey, FCTG aims to increase engagement with First Nations communities. The travel group’s suppliers, industry partners and community organisations were all invited to attend, and First Nation businesses were invited to host stalls featuring Aboriginal art and other products.
Managing Director FCTG’s Australian and New Zealand corporate travel division, Melissa Elf, said she was delighted to see initiatives underway in support of the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
“We’re committed to helping our people and our business network understand the importance of reconciliation,” Melissa said. “Through these events we want to further develop our approach to reconciliation in the workplace and build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and continue to participate in collaborative initiatives that support the needs of First Nation people.”
Other initiatives FCTG has undertaken this year includes the donation of 390 digital devices to First Nations communities in far north Queensland through the charity Litehaus International.
Work has also commenced to launch the First Nations Young People Creative Arts Competition in July. This is the second such competition FCTG has run, and will be promoted to 12- to 18-year-olds nationwide.
