Fenner Conveyors Launches Formal Commitment to Reconciliation
Fenner Conveyors, as part of One Michelin Group Australia, has launched its ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to support national movement towards reconciliation focusing on the communities in which we operate.
The Reflect RAP is a strategic document that outlines the Group’s vision, commitments, and actions to contribute to reconciliation in Australia. It aligns with the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity and historical acceptance.
The RAP was developed by a Working Group of employees from different business units and geographic locations, with guidance from Reconciliation Australia and Group stakeholders. It was officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in September 2023.
One Michelin Group Australia is made up of Michelin Australia, Fenner Conveyors, Hallite, Klinge and Bearcat – a group of businesses supplying advanced polymer technology solutions.
The Group’s RAP commitments will evolve around four key areas of reconciliation action: Respect, Relationships, Opportunities and Governance. Some of the primary deliverables that will be actioned include:
- Developing and implementing a cultural awareness training program for all employees
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through partnerships, sponsorships and donations
- Developing and implementing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy and procurement policy
- Celebrating and participating in cultural events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week
- Further establishing the Working Group for the implementation and evaluation of RAP progress
Artwork by Brenda Mau and Kelvin Wilson.
One Michelin Group Australia commissioned an artwork to represent its reconciliation journey.
RAP Chair and Chief People & Culture Officer, Jen Green, said "Our aim is for this artwork and its story to resonate with all team members – every single person within OMGA is part of this journey. We hope through this artwork we can visualise that each person has an important role to play in reconciliation.
The RAP is a living document that will be monitored, evaluated and grown to reflect the progress and achievements of the Group. It will also be communicated internally and externally to raise awareness and engagement among employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers and partners.
RAP Sponsor and Chairperson of the One Michelin Group Australia Board, David Landgren, said the launch of the Reflect RAP was a milestone for the Group and a demonstration of its commitment to social responsibility.
“I am delighted to present the One Michelin Group Australia’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the first such document produced by our group of companies and an important step in our broader goal of nation-wide reconciliation. This is a reflection our Group’s values, centring around ‘Respect for People’, and building on our commitments to diversity and inclusion across the Group," said Landgren.
Over the years, One Michelin Group Australia has set a strong foundation for diversity and inclusion through partnerships and engagement activities. Now, the Group is confident to expand this foundation into a formal commitment to reconciliations, bringing together all Michelin group entities operating in Australia.
Central to all businesses within the Michelin group is sustainable mobility – whether with tyres, around tyres or beyond tyres. Sustainability for the Michelin group is defined as the balanced development of People, Profit and the Planet, and in terms of ‘People’, this means development, commitment, safety, inclusion and diversity in all its forms.
“The OMGA Reconciliation Action Plan will guide us to collectively act with respect and integrity for our First Nations colleagues, clients, and stakeholders; and to increase economic equity and support self-determination of First Australians by opening up relationships and opportunities within our industries and communities,” said Landgren.
“We believe that by learning from and working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can create a better way forward for everyone.”
Reconciliation Australia’s CEO, Ms. Karen Mundine, congratulated One Michelin Group Australia on its RAP and welcomed it to the network of more than 2,200 organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the RAP program.
“One Michelin Group Australia’s RAP represents a genuine dedication to advancing reconciliation in Australia. By implementing this RAP, One Michelin Group Australia will be able to create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in and benefit from its core business activities,” said Mundine.
“I commend One Michelin Group Australia for taking this important step and look forward to seeing its positive impact.”
The One Michelin Group Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia on 12 September 2024.
