ORIX Australia Reconciliation Action Plan Progresses
Nine months into the implementation of its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), ORIX Australia has achieved significant milestones and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation Action Plans assist businesses to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation. Since 2006, RAPs have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. “ORIX Australia is proud to be part of a network of more than 2,700 organisations that directly impact over four million Australians at work every day,” says Reggie Cabal, ORIX Australia’s CEO.
There are four RAP types: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, and Elevate, which allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments. “Our 2024-25 plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, is a Reflect RAP, reflecting our commitment to forging meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and acknowledging their connection with the land on which we operate,” explains Reggie. “It provides a strategic roadmap, laying the foundations for the company and for future reconciliation initiatives, and is an exciting formalisation of the deep respect we have for First Nations Peoples. It’s a collective effort to not only build a workplace where every individual feels seen, heard and valued, but also contributes more broadly to reconciliation in Australia.
“We recognise the power that diversity brings to our workplace and our community, and our RAP plays a crucial role in ensuring our workplace is a space where every voice matters. It’s an important step in our long-term commitment to build more meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to better understand their culture and help build a better tomorrow.”
Beginning our reconciliation journey
For several years, ORIX Australia has been working towards enhancing cultural awareness, particularly by commemorating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Our official journey towards reconciliation began in 2023, with the formation of a National RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP. The RWG consists of passionate individuals from a range of divisions within ORIX Australia, with executive sponsorship from People & Culture, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
Members of the ORIX Australia Reconciliation Committee (Tony Hutton, Christie Whyte, Iain Gordon and Lorin Heah)
“While ORIX Australia has engaged with our local First Nations community for a number of years, we recognise the importance of formalising those efforts across our national footprint. We commit to continually identifying opportunities to foster stronger relationships and educational opportunities with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as we progress the development of our RAP,” says Christie Whyte, RWG Lead.
“We have delivered 17 of our Reflect RAP actions and are continually identifying opportunities to foster stronger relationships and educational opportunities with local communities as we progress the development of our RAP.”
At the start of our Reflect RAP, we created a distinctive artwork that symbolises the beginning of the journey. “That involved working closely with Blue Tongue Management and Aboriginal Cultural Immersions to craft an artwork that embodies our purpose: ‘Finding Paths. Making Impact.’ It symbolised the first step in our long-term RAP journey,” explains Reggie.
The artwork represents a map, illustrating the diverse routes ORIX Australia takes to help customers find paths to a sustainable tomorrow. The strokes and colours symbolise the arteries connecting us to the heart of our nation, reaching regional and remote communities, while the lines represent journeys made possible by our vehicles and assets, linking us to many customers in the communities we serve.
“This artwork is not just an aesthetic addition to our office wall; it’s a visual pledge, a constant reminder of the paths we are carving and the positive impact we are driving in partnership with local First Nations communities,” says Reggie.
“I am very happy with our progress to date and the team who has helped bring this RAP to life. Their passion and commitment to making our company an inclusive and welcoming place for all are truly commendable. I’d particularly like to single out Christie Whyte, Tony Hutton, Eimee Francisco, Lorin Heah and Iain Gordon.”
To learn more about ORIX Australia’s reconciliation journey, please head to our RAP here.
