Reconciliation and Action
Mob@BEN
This is Simone Sexton, the Inclusion Specialist here at Bendigo Bank, and a proud Mununjali woman. Simone saw an opportunity to improve and evolve what we do for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and formed Mob@BEN.
Mob@BEN is a culturally safe group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that connect, learn, feel and share their story with others. It’s a safe place to share, with no judgement, and build your own individual confidence. The power of having a Yarn!
Some of our Mob have gone on to represent on panels and other platforms, and the power and confidence that being in the Mob has given them has led to these growth and leadership opportunities. To be a First Nation’s voice on projects and work that has impact.
“As part of Mob@BEN, we share a common purpose to come together, connect, and share with one another as well as to provide a First Nations community voice across RAP activities.”
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program provides a framework for organisations to be inclusive in their work and contribute to national Reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
You do belong and are included. We might not get it right all the time, but we learn, grow and evolve. It's a journey.
You can feel the difference at Bendigo, it’s not just a bunch of buzzwords or a box-ticking exercise. We mean what we say and do, and so does our leadership team who actively and strongly support our initiatives. We’re in this together.
Change takes time, and it’s important not rush it. It's taking lived experiences, adding our goals and aspirations, and moving at the speed at trust.
Hear from Mob@BEN member, Kimberly, about how it began for her at Bendigo Bank
