Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
In the spirit of reconciliation, C.H. Robinson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Strong foundation to innovate
Every individual plays a role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. At C.H. Robinson, we continually create and deliver programs to support this. For the latest information on our efforts, read our Annual Progress Report.
We consciously and deliberately integrate the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion into all we do—including ongoing participation in our industry as well as internal efforts to deepen our knowledge, our understanding and our relationships with First Nation peoples.
Our reconciliation action plan (RAP) is a framework that articulates our commitment and focus on achieving practical outcomes.
We believe in raising awareness and knowledge of the rich histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Accordingly, we strive to create a workplace culture of belonging that embraces the uniqueness and diverse backgrounds of our people.
Who
Our vision offers equal business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within the supply chain industry.
What
Through a rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences and opinions, we will innovate, think critically and better serve our customers for a better tomorrow.
How
We commit to building three new strategic partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island suppliers within the supply chain industry.
“Our primary objective is to achieve the sustainable inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses as meaningful participants in the international supply chain industry.”
—Andrew Coldrey, Vice President Asia Pacific, C.H. Robinson
Reconciliation vision
Our vision for reconciliation is to lead the development of an Australian identity, based on mutual respect, understanding and trust. Facilitating and establishing equal business opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within the supply chain industry is not an obligation, but our privilege.
Our reconciliation plan reflects our company values of ‘Evolving Constantly’ and ‘Growing Together’ by increasing awareness and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and stakeholders.
Together we can make a difference and contribute to reconciliation. We will continue to improve awareness and respect by:
- Promoting Indigenous economic participation
- Diversifying our supply chain by procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
- Continuing to build positive working relationships with these suppliers
- Engaging and sustaining our successful working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and businesses
- Building a workplace culture that appreciates and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
“We are committed to helping shape a tomorrow in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples share in an equitable, prosperous and rewarding future.”
—Andrew Coldrey, Vice President Asia Pacific, C.H. Robinson
Commitment to the RAP process
We value the importance of diversity, inclusion and respecting the rights and interests of all people.
Reconciliation Australia endorsed our first RAP, Reflect, in 2019. We have since engaged in the following activities:
- Cultural awareness training for all existing and new employees
- Smoking ceremony to officially open our Melbourne office
- National Reconciliation Week live webinar with special guests Shelley Ware and Adam Goodes
- Increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business spend
- Internal awareness and written contributions regarding NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week
- Maintain an internal cultural calendar of events each year
- Installed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork throughout Melbourne airport office
“We strive to create a culture of belonging, core to our values, that embraces the unique experiences and diverse backgrounds for our people.”
—Angie Freeman, Chief Human Resources Officer & ESG Officer, C.H. Robinson (She/Her)
Reconciliation evolution through art
Created by Arrernte man, Pat Caruso, the Life Tree represents the evolution of the group across Australia, entrenching our commitment with solid roots into strong foundations.
Artwork plays a significant part in Indigenous culture and Pat realised the importance of showing the evolution of our commitment to reconciliation. With offices across multiple Indigenous countries and sites of significance throughout Australia, our people are focused on learning, embracing and contributing to our reconciliation journey.
Elements from our previous Reflect RAP design are incorporated, but have evolved—becoming branches of the Life Tree.