As Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week, insurers have unveiled how they remain committed to supporting Indigenous people.
Celebrated from May 27 to June 3, National Reconciliation Week is a time for Australians to learn about the country's histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is “Be a Voice for Generations,” to encourage Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in their everyday lives.
IAG celebrates National Reconciliation Week by releasing its first Indigenous brand design.
The design, “Connections: Land, Sea, and Peoples,” symbolises IAG's commitment to supporting Indigenous people, businesses, and communities. It was created by Marcus Lee, founder and director of Marcus Lee Designs and a descendant of the Karajarri Peoples, in consultation with the IAG Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Network Group.
According to IAG, the stylised purple shapes represent Australia and Torres Strait Islands. The three circular meeting places with dotted rings symbolise three pillars from the IAG Indigenous Engagement Strategy: People, Business, and Community. Meanwhile, the graphic lines radiating outward from the meeting places refer to IAG's focus in growing resilience, building cultural connection, and addressing systemic inequalities.
“Creating a safe and inclusive environment and deepening cultural understanding within our organisation is an essential and vital role IAG takes seriously as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Michelle McPherson, IAG chief financial officer and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) steering committee chair.
“The creation of an Indigenous brand design is something our Indigenous peoples can feel connected to and it’s a symbol of recognition that enables all our employees to stand together to embrace reconciliation.”
Bupa celebrates National Reconciliation Week by reaffirming its commitment to “seeking an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy equity and equality.”
Bupa’s First Nations Network Lead, Stacey, says this year’s Reconciliation Week theme of Be a Voice for Generations hits home about what she can do for her mob. She says reconciliation takes everyone, from all backgrounds, working for greater equity.#NRW2023 pic.twitter.com/RR4Bk2mx5i
— Bupa Australia (@BupaAustralia) May 30, 2023
In March, Bupa launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2023-2026 as part of its commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people in Australia.
In a recent statement, Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said: “We are proud of the work our RAP Working Group and First Nations Employee Network have undertaken with us to frame these commitments and embedded resulting actions across our business in recognition of their importance. We acknowledge that Bupa's support of The Voice to Parliament is an important step towards improving the long-term health and wellbeing of First Nations people.”
