The Martin Currie and Franklin Templeton Australia teams got together over the course of two days on April 17 and May 21 for Aboriginal Heritage Walks in Melbourne.
These walks tie into the implementation of the company’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which strives to increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and knowledge.
Franklin Templeton Australia joins a network of more than 2,500 corporate, government and not-for-profit organizations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program”
said Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia.
The walks, led by tour guide Uncle Den, gave valuable insights into the rich history and thriving culture of the first peoples of Australia and align closely with the RAP commitments. By engaging in this walk and discussion with the guide, the team members enriched their understanding of the cultural significance of the local land, flora and fauna.
The four RAP types—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate—allow RAP partners to continuously develop and strengthen reconciliation commitments in new ways.
In implementing this RAP, we strive to build on our culture, to support our team on their personal reconciliation journeys and to create a workplace where we learn, celebrate and actively promote reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities"
said Felicity Walsh, Managing Director, Franklin Templeton Australia.
As part of the education journey with staff, there is an appetite for cultural learning and interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s culture.
Current RAP initiatives include:
Internal cultural awareness activities
- Financial donations
- Promoting reconciliation in the office space
- Office supplies vendor diversity
- Investment activities
“We look forward to sharing our journey as we work toward an Australia which understands its past, accepts today’s challenges and moves forward with reconciliation across our nation,” Felicity said.
