In Australia, reconciliation is an important step in acknowledging historical truths about our colonial history and establishing relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) have become prevalent across the business community, symbolizing commitment to meaningful actions that recognize and value the contributions of First Nations peoples to society, industries and economies. In fact, according to Reconciliation Australia, over 2,700 organizations have formalized their commitment to reconciliation through a RAP. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, there are four types of RAPs: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. Each type is tailored to meet an organization at different stages of their reconciliation journey, allowing them to continuously develop their various initiatives and commitments.
As a global company that employs 227,000 people across 60 countries and over 2,000 staff in Australia, HCLTech has a collective responsibility to recognize the value of reconciliation and in undertaking work to progress the goals it seeks to achieve — an equitable and reconciled Australia. In 2022, HCLTech in Australia, including the DWS Group, Symplicit, Project Assured and HCLSoftware, demonstrated our commitment to advance reconciliation by establishing our first step in the journey — Reflect RAP.
HCLTech’s vision for reconciliation is underpinned by our organizational purpose to facilitate and accelerate progress for people and communities. This means building bridges with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities through relationships built on respect and trust, to enable growth through access to technology and education, and community outreach and mentorship.
Here's how we’re creating change, now and in the future.
From awareness to impactful actions
A Reflect RAP helps prepare an organization to engage in reconciliation meaningfully.
The development and delivery of HCLTech’s Reflect RAP was over 12 months in the making, focused on enhancing our employees’ understanding of and our commitment to reconciliation.
Supported and guided by our Cultural Liaison Consultant, Irene Wardle, a proud Darug Woman, and our RAP Working Group (RWG), HCLTech has started to evolve authentically and culturally with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples, businesses and communities.
HCLTech’s RAP activities to date have resulted in 680 hours of pro bono work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses, and over 20 community engagements. Other examples to how the initiative have yielded meaningful and tangible impacts include:
Aboriginal tech business engagement
Recognising the importance of building authentic relationships and trust to support the longevity of mutually beneficial opportunities, HCLTech identified an initial panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander technology businesses to partner with to deliver mutually beneficial business and community outcomes. This panel included indicore ICT, Baidam Solutions and Wilyama Services. Examples of mutually beneficial outcomes include expanded go-to-market offerings and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ education and employment.
Need a Tutor platform
In line with HCLTech’s commitment to capability uplift through partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities, further has been made to strengthen the user experience of Need a Tutor, an online tutoring platform that provides educational support for First Nation peoples in remote and isolated areas. The platform connects student and teachers in real-time through a proprietary live video and audio platform.
Yolngu community engagement
To foster an unbiased appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, histories and practices, HCLTech created Cultural Competency training modules for its 2,000 employees in Australia, focused on the Yolngu people at Galupa in the Northeast Arnherm Land, Northern Territory.
Galupa is a culturally significant traditional safe haven for Yolngu women and children seeking respite from domestic violence and other challenges across the Northeast Arnherm land region.
HCLTech’s commitment to the Yolngu community celebrates self-determination and future projects will include an e-commerce platform to showcase artworks and weavings, a women’s shelter to provide safe haven for domestic violence victims, an art school and commissioned the filming of our Cultural Competency training modules.
“Now more than ever, the work continues”
HCLTech has now entering the next stage of its reconciliation journey with the launch of our Innovate RAP.
Built on the foundations of Reflect RAP, this significant milestone reflects our continuing commitment to reconciliation. This is also synonymous with the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week — Now More Than Ever, the work continues.
“Our Innovate RAP will enhance our cultural understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, recognizing their unique qualities. We aim to strengthen our business partnerships and develop thoughtful education and employment pathways, fostering economic self-determination and positive socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” said Michael Horton, Consultant and Chair of the RAP Working Group, HCLTech.
HCLTech’s Innovate RAP will run until late 2025.
