At Core our aim is to build a culture where all team members can bring their whole selves to work.
A culture that sees our differences as an opportunity for innovation and creativity. Our diversity not only creates an environment where our team members feel welcomed and supported but the inclusion of diverse viewpoints helps drive excellence in all we do.
Our first Reconciliation Action Plan – Reflect, helped us to consider the past and our role in the present to progress a future toward reconciliation. We’ve now had our second Reconciliation Action Plan – Innovate, approved. This furthers our actions and efforts as an active participant in continued learning, awareness and reconciliation action.
Core central is located on Wurundjeri Biik, land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People. We honour the wisdom of the Ancestors and Elders, and the knowledge their people hold and share – foundations that shape how we think, create, and act in our work.
We recognise Country is a living entity, with many moving parts, layers and intricacies; its histories, relationships, responsibilities, dreaming and Lore.
We strive to deepen our understanding of these relationships, letting that knowledge inform our work in ways that complement how Country flows, sustains and connects life. This isn’t symbolic – it guides our decisions, relationships, and responsibilities in practice, across our work from our office in Naarm to every Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community we engage with.
Wherever we work, we seek to listen, learn continuously and walk with intention and respect alongside the Traditional Custodians and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, recognising that each Country holds its own history, stories, knowledge systems, beliefs, Lores, kinship and culture that deserves to be understood and honoured.
Our first Reconciliation Action Plan helped to start our journey
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Just some of our achievements included:
Acknowledgement
Traditional Place Country included in email signatures and address references
Acknowledgement of Country added to email signatures and key meetings and events
Improved Cultural Awareness
A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country were conducted at Core HQ
Resources were shared during National Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week
All team members have the option to substitute January 26 Public Holiday with a different day of their choosing
Carbon Offsets Purchased
Recently we purchased carbon offsets from the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF)
These offsets will help us deliver on our FY25 and FY26 Climate Active Commitment
AbCF supports economic independence for First Nations Peoples
Voice to Parliament
A mandatory information session was conducted for staff hosted by a barrister with experience in elections-related work with the United Nations
This information aimed to provide employees clear and independent information to help them make their own informed decision regarding the referendum
The Torch
Our first RAP featured artwork from The Torch
The Torch is a not-for-profit supporting First Nations offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria
Kinship Care
Policy was introduced to recognise and provide allowances for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples kinship care needs
Our learnings from our first RAP iteration, have helped us shape our second RAP, Innovate. You can review a copy of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan below.
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ABOUT THE ARTWORK : Rooted in Rhythm, by Aretha Brown
Rooted in Rhythm is a vibrant, green-focused artwork that reflects the deep connection between plants, people, and Country.
Created as a visual expression of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the piece represents growth, healing, and unity. Flourishing plant forms blend with abstract symbols of community circles, pathways, and gathering places that speak to connection and collective purpose.
Green, representing life and renewal, flows throughout the work, highlighting themes of sustainability, cultural respect, and regeneration.
This piece acknowledges the enduring wisdom of First Nations peoples and the strength found in coming together to nurture a future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.