Spirit of Reconciliation
Reconciliation Action Plan
As Australia's largest airline and a national icon, Qantas has a responsibility to ensure our business reflects the values of inclusion and diversity. Through the Qantas Reconciliation Action Plan, Qantas is undertaking a range of initiatives to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and to promote shared pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures.
Qantas remains committed to reconciliation and building relationships for change between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We endorse the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures and peoples and recognises their unique position as the original custodians of Australia.
The launch of the first Qantas Reconciliation Action Plan In November 2007 was a positive step forward towards that commitment and in fostering reconciliation in the broader Australian community.
Reconciliation Australia requires organisations to refresh their RAP based on past learnings and to allow for new developments and ideas around achieving the aims of reconciliation within and outside of our organisation.
In May 2012, the third Qantas Reconciliation Action Plan was released in line with Reconciliation Australia's elements of Respect, Relationships and Opportunities.
On Tuesday 3 April 2012 Qantas was announced as the winner of the 'Corporate Member of the Year Award' at the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) Gala Dinner.
As a founding member of AIMSC, Qantas was the first major contract between an AIMSC member and a certified Indigenous supplier, as part of its three-year pilot. Qantas signed an agreement with Message Stick Communications, to use the company's telecommunication services. This contract was renewed for a further three years in April 2012.
I Still Call Australia Home
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture features prominently as part of the new Qantas advertising campaign and brings Indigenous language to a broader Australian and international audience for the first time.
The "I Still Call Australia Home" campaign has been running for 10 years and is now widely recognised and associated with Qantas. The new advertisement, launched on 22 August 2009, presented a unique opportunity for Qantas to reflect its proud history of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures.
Inflight Entertainment
Qantas screens Indigenous programs on Inflight entertainment (IFE) to mark special events on the Indigenous calendar and throughout the year as part of mainstream programming.
Qantas IFE features films and documentaries with Indigenous themes on domestic and international services and which are made by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous film-makers. Qantas' inflight radio programs feature Indigenous music and interviews on Indigenous issues.
Read the transcripts of interviews which have aired on inflight radio and see what programs are available on inflight entertainment.
Partnerships
Qantas' Reconciliation Programs' partnerships are aligned with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) initiatives.
Note, we do not accept unsolicited applications for individual or group travel assistance.
Qantas' current Indigenous partnerships include:
Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC)
The Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC - pronounced am-see) provides a direct business-to-business purchasing link between corporate Australia, government agencies and Indigenous-owned businesses.
AIMSC is a not-for-profit company, and is a membership body for Australian companies and government departments.
AIMSC is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as well as Industry & Investment NSW as a three-year pilot.
Qantas is a Foundation Member of AIMSC and we currently partner with a range of Indigenous businesses including; Message Stick, Gilimbaa, Thullii Dreaming, Print Junction and Black Olive.
Qantas procurement, in conjunction with Qantas' Reconciliation Manager, will continue to identify other Indigenous suppliers to provide services to the business through AIMSC.
Deadly Awards 2011
The Deadly Awards are the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music, Sport, Entertainment and Community Awards held annually at the Sydney Opera House and broadcast nationally on SBS.
This awards ceremony recognises the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to their community and to Australian society, showcasing outstanding achievement and providing identifiable national and local role models to inspire all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and particularly young people.
Qantas was a proud sponsor of the Deadly Awards in 2011.
For more information about the Deadlys visit www.vibe.com.au
Engineering Aid Australia
The Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School (IAESS) is an annual event, established in 1998 by Engineering Aid Australia (a non profit organisation). This is held annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from around the country.
The purpose of the Summer School is for students to spend a week living on campus, attending lectures, and site visits aimed at inspiring them to consider engineering as a career.
In January 2012 Engineering Aid Australia will conduct two summer schools - one at Curtin University in Western Australia and one at the University of Sydney.
Qantas will provide flights for students to attend the Summer School as well as site visits and will also provide information about working as an engineer within the business.
National Gallery of Australia (Indigenous art and education)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) comprises over 7500 works and is the largest in the world. These new gallery spaces allow much more of the collection to be seen with each one specifically designed for a different geographic region or aspect of Indigenous art and, where possible, paintings and sculptures are illuminated overhead by natural daylight, akin to the light in which the works were created.
This dedicated display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art highlights the diversity, richness and excellence of the collection.
Qantas is the Official Airline and major partner of the Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Leadership Program and the National Indigenous Art Triennial. They are also a major sponsor of the gallery's annual blockbuster exhibition.
Yothu Yindi Foundation
The Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) was established in 1990 by Elders from five of the Yolngu clans, the Gumatj, Rirratjingu, Djapu, Galpu and Wangurri clans. One of the key objectives of YYF is to support and further the maintenance, development, teaching and enterprise potential of Yolngu cultural life. The Foundation has instigated a number of projects which achieve its aims.
The Foundation provides the East Arnhem Land community with support in creating, marketing, protecting and maintaining their intellectual property, culture and country while engaging in the broader economic sphere. In this way, financially sustainable businesses are created in the community, using local assets and culturally-appropriate practices.
One of the key objectives of the Yothu Yindi Foundation is to support and further the maintenance, development, teaching and enterprise potential of Yolngu cultural life.
The Garma Festival, Australia's leading cultural exchange event in remote Gulkula is the centrepiece of YYF's vision.
Qantas was a Principal Partner of the Garma Festival in 2011.
Jawun - Indigenous Corporate Partnerships
Jawun finds skilled people in corporate Australia and connects them with Indigenous communities to share knowledge and expertise. It is all about people helping each other. Corporate and Indigenous leaders come together to share their skills and knowledge to create real change.
Jawun forms partnerships to benefit both corporate and Indigenous Australia. Together they improve the lives of Indigenous people around Australia by supporting Indigenous communities on the ground.
At the heart of Jawun are the diverse capabilities of skilled people from Corporate Partners, and the desire and determination of Indigenous people to regenerate their communities.
In 2011 three Qantas employees will participate in a pilot secondment program with Jawun in both Cape York Peninsula and in Redfern.
Respecting Indigenous culture for travellers
For travellers who want to know more about respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while travelling in Australia, read the brochure "Welcome to Country: Respecting Indigenous Culture for Travellers in Australia".*
Purchasing Aboriginal Art
The publication "Purchasing Aboriginal Art: A Consumer Guide" provides information about making informed and ethical choices when purchasing Aboriginal art and artefacts.
The publication is the result of wide-ranging consultation with artists, art centres, galleries, consumer affairs, legal and industry representatives in Australia. It was produced by the Association of Northern Kimberly and Arnhem Land Artists and the Arts NT Indigenous Arts Development Unit.
Indigenous Employment
For information, about general employment opportunities, the Qantas Graduate Program, school-based traineeships and university cadetships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and to register for employment and for job alerts visit the Qantas Careers website.
