Our Reconciliation Action Plan in action
Reconciliation in action
After launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan eight years ago, March 2024 brought together a culmination of the NRMA’s past vision and action into this Stretch Rap which will seek to open doors in employment and access to vital services.
From our CEO Rohan Lund: “Australia’s unique natural environment makes it one of the world’s coveted destinations for travel. The NRMA will continue to build valuable partnerships with First Nations tourism operators to open up our tourism experiences to Australians enjoying their own backyard or for visitors overseas. After all, how better to experience our extraordinary natural environment than through the shared experiences of those who were here first and know these lands best."
“Our goal is to forge partnerships that create jobs, education and business growth for our First Nations peoples. This is how the NRMA will work towards reconciliation to achieve generational change, making our nation stronger.”
Read the 2024-2026 NRMA Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Our focus areas
- Increasing cultural competency in our people - We are committed to recognising the past and celebrating and learning more about First Nations cultures. We will continue to acknowledge cultural events and protocols that promote diversity and inclusion across our businesses and supply chains. By helping employees better understand First Nations cultures, aspirations and challenges, we aim to help them become more engaged with our reconciliation commitments.
- Creating unique Australian tourism experiences - Our goal is to support the economic development of First Nations owned and operated products and services by incorporating their unique offerings into our travel and tourism businesses, including holiday parks, resorts, and cruise and ferry services. In turn, this will also enhance our customers’ experience by building their understanding of and appreciation for the histories and rich cultures of First Nations people.
- Employment and training pathways - People from First Nations communities face additional barriers to gaining driver licences and accessing services, employment and education. That’s why we continue to invest in programs that help to open up opportunities, including our Indigenous Learner Driver Mentor Program, and build viable career and skills development pathways for First Nations peoples.
- Championing safety and culture on the road - We will leverage our reach as Australia’s largest roadside assistance network to increase visibility of First Nations cultures, including featuring artwork and reconciliation commitment statement across our vehicles, and ensuring representation in marketing campaigns. Education also continues to be a key driver of reconciliation in our motoring business, with road safety and maintenance programs operating in schools and First Nations communities, along with tailored cultural training for frontline employees.
- Developing supplier diversity - We recognise that First Nations owned and operated businesses are more likely to employ First Nations people than other businesses. We’re committed to incorporating these entities into our business activities, including cultural and tourism experiences. Through our supply chain and networks, we aim to encourage prosperity for First Nations enterprises by helping to build more business activity, confidence, and capabilities.
Di Ellis
Senior Indigenous Affairs Manager and RAP Lead
My motto is that reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and I am honoured to lead our journey at the NRMA. I’m a strong and proud First Nations woman. Wiradjuri is my father’s Country and my mother’s father was born on Buda Island in the Torres Strait.
We’re at a point where we can visually see the contribution the NRMA is making towards shared, authentic reconciliation goals. I am proud to work for a company that fosters an environment where you feel safe and encouraged to be your authentic self. It’s one that connects to Countries daily to deliver impacts for First Nations peoples, organisations and communities. I feel blessed that my ancestors have paved this path for us to walk together.
Haylie Beckett
NRMA Indigenous Engagement Advisor
Haylie is a proud Wiradjuri woman. Her role includes engaging with First Nations communities on various matters including language, ensuring authenticity and a localised approach. She also continuously researches and educates our employees on culture and issues affecting First Nations peoples and leads our Traditional Place Names Register.
Living on Country is important to Haylie, so whilst she often travels to engage with communities, she spends most of her time in Dubbo with her family. Previously, Haylie worked in the juvenile justice system and was the first Aboriginal/Torres Strait woman to deliver their First Nations program across NSW. Haylie’s enthusiasm and commitment is contagious, and she is always available to provide advice and engagement connections or enjoy a yarn. We’re proud to support Haylie on her journey as she drives positive change at the NRMA.
Cory Maddison
Maintenance Manager at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort
Cory is a champion of community, culture and contribution at the NRMA. In addition to his role as leader, Cory incorporates Yuin culture into his work every day. “I am guided both at work and in my personal life by Yuin culture and our three laws: patience, tolerance and respect.” He invites guests to participate in cultural ceremonies, including a dawn ceremony on the beach to close out National Reconciliation Week. He is also caretaker of Aboriginal burial sites located on the grounds.
Cory channels his creativity through art and toolmaking, guided by a deep connection to his ancestors, and was recognised at the 2023 My Thanks Awards after he crafted a coolamon for a guest couple’s wedding day. We look forward to following Cory’s continued positive impact at the NRMA.