Sourced from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20141031062222-59457390-red-cross-wins-ahri-indigenous-employment-award

By Robert Tickner
CEO at Australian Red Cross

Last night Australian Red Cross was announced joint winner of the Indigenous Employment Award in the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Inclusion and Diversity Awards.

Our commitment to Indigenous employment has produced a highly diverse workforce of around 140 talented and professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, who know and understand their communities. This currently represents around 5.2 per cent of our total staff.

Our Targeted Approach strategy, which was awarded last night, aims to recruit more Indigenous people to reach 6 per cent by 2015.

“I’m extremely proud that we have been recognised for our innovative approaches to recruiting, engaging and retaining a strong team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff,” said Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner.

“A deep commitment to Indigenous employment exists at every level of our organisation, from the national board and leadership team through to human resources, our service teams and the broader staff and membership.

“Red Cross is uniquely positioned to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build community-led solutions, and our Indigenous staff play a key role in our community development approach.

“It’s a win-win for all involved. I congratulate everyone involved with Red Cross who contributes to our successful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” said Robert Tickner.



Chris Steinfort (pictured left) is Red Cross’ Director, Human Resources. He believes that one of the best ways to build long-term partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is to have a large number of Indigenous people working at Red Cross, to build organisational capabilities that will better position Red Cross to support Indigenous people in their communities.

“It’s about making an inclusive workplace. If there aren’t many Aboriginal people working here, it doesn’t seem like such a culturally safe space for other Aboriginal people.

“To be recognised for the work Red Cross has collectively implemented regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment is a credit to everyone involved. It’s a great achievement to win the award in such a competitive field of finalists,” said Chris Steinfort.

Visit our website to learn more about how Red Cross is working together as partners with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.