Non-bank lender Liberty has made a formal commitment to advance reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
CEO James Boyle (pictured above) said Liberty is committed to building awareness while strengthening respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, traditions, and cultures across the team and broader community.
‘’As advocates for inclusion and equality, we will apply our curiosity and free-thinking approach to champion and advocate for change,” Boyle said. “We will engage our team and work with Reconciliation Australia to make a positive difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Our nation’s history is marked by devastating land dispossession and violence. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience limited equity, access and opportunity, so it is important to improve future outcomes and coordinate focused efforts that are vital in creating a truly inclusive and reconciled society,”
Liberty started its reconciliation journey several years ago. Staff worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to build up their community awareness and understanding. Boyle said the RAP will guide Liberty’s future cultural initiatives and commercial partnerships.
‘Through events, policies, and training opportunities we have taken measurable strides towards embedding the principles of reconciliation into our workplace culture. While we recognise that there is still much work to do – we’re committed to continuing our trajectory, ’’ Boyle said.
Liberty is working with organisations to form meaningful relationships that deliver lasting outcomes and healthy initiatives which promote awareness. It has formed a RAP working group to drive these activities.
Kent Morris
Liberty has also partnered with Barkindji artist Kent Morris (pictured immediately above), who created a piece of art representing the importance of integrating First Nations philosophies and knowledge into everyday life through the shared connection and responsibility to care for the country.
The artwork titled Cultural Reflections – Infinite Interconnections, is constructed from a photo of a fairy wren on Kulin Nations land (Yaluk-ut Weelam Country) in Melbourne, where he lives and works.
“Through our work with Kent Morris, we’ve had the opportunity to further explore our connection to First Nations’ peoples and reflect on how our shared values guide us towards a more reconciled Australia,” Boyle said.
