Red Cross wins AHRI Indigenous Employment Award

05 Nov 2014 2:04 PM | Louise Stokes

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.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

--- ends ---

For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia