RELATIONSHIPS
At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
RESPECT
Without pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage, we cannot foster a shared national identity.
OPPORTUNITY
Equal participation in a range of life opportunities is crucial for the well-being of all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
IKON Services recognises that an inclusive and culturally safe environment is essential for long term business success. To become a culturally safe and diverse organisation we need to invest our time and attention into our current and future employees by helping us all to build our own cultural understanding and capabilities.
IKON Services is fully engaged and committed to our journey towards a more diverse workforce, better race relations and ultimately a reconciled Australia. We are extremely confident that this Reflect RAP will enhance the cultural capabilities of our people and provide sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The latter will be achieved through an employee mentoring and post-placement support program which includes Health and Well-being screening and pathways to complete employment. We have also redeveloped our employment induction process to help us with identifying our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.
In 2019, IKON Services engaged 200 Game Carlton Football Club life member and proud Yorta Yorta man Andrew Walker to develop the organisations first Reconciliation Action Plan. Andrew joined the IKON team as Head of Indigenous Programs and Employment and has been the key driving force behind IKON Services’ Reflect RAP development.
Andrew’s engagement reinforces IKON Services’ senior management team’s commitment to the development and implementation of the company’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. With this commitment came an overwhelming amount of support from IKON Services team members, leading to the development of our first-ever RAP working group. This group includes two of IKON Services’ Aboriginal employees and an Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Pam Pederson, who have helped shape the direction of our RAP. During our first RAP working group meetings, it became very clear we were already on our reconciliation journey and had already developed major partnerships. These partnerships are documented as part of our RAP under ‘Our Partnerships and Current Activities’.
Members of the RAP working group will lead the implementation of our RAP, with the support of Managing Director George Tahan, and will be given all the necessary resources to ensure IKON Services’ RAP journey is a successful one.
IKON Services recognises that an inclusive and culturally safe environment is essential for long term business success. To become a culturally safe and diverse organisation we need to invest our time and attention into our current and future employees by helping us all to build our own cultural understanding and capabilities.
IKON Services is fully engaged and committed to our journey towards a more diverse workforce, better race relations and ultimately a reconciled Australia. We are extremely confident that this Reflect RAP will enhance the cultural capabilities of our people and provide sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The latter will be achieved through an employee mentoring and post-placement support program which includes Health and Well-being screening and pathways to complete employment. We have also redeveloped our employment induction process to help us with identifying our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.
In 2019, IKON Services engaged 200 Game Carlton Football Club life member and proud Yorta Yorta man Andrew Walker to develop the organisations first Reconciliation Action Plan. Andrew joined the IKON team as Head of Indigenous Programs and Employment and has been the key driving force behind IKON Services’ Reflect RAP development.
Andrew’s engagement reinforces IKON Services’ senior management team’s commitment to the development and implementation of the company’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. With this commitment came an overwhelming amount of support from IKON Services team members, leading to the development of our first-ever RAP working group. This group includes two of IKON Services’ Aboriginal employees and an Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Pam Pederson, who have helped shape the direction of our RAP. During our first RAP working group meetings, it became very clear we were already on our reconciliation journey and had already developed major partnerships. These partnerships are documented as part of our RAP under ‘Our Partnerships and Current Activities’.
Members of the RAP working group will lead the implementation of our RAP, with the support of Managing Director George Tahan, and will be given all the necessary resources to ensure IKON Services’ RAP journey is a successful one.
George Tahan
With 40+ years of experience, as the Principal and Managing Director of IKON Services, I have shaped IKON’s vision and values with an insistence on quality and passion for innovation. I have developed this business from a humble beginning to an industry leader and it is important that as an organisation we create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all cultures. Our Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the actions necessary to take real steps to building stronger relationships and outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
My vision for this organisation is to develop cultural awareness amongst our team members and executives, to develop our own unique Indigenous employment programs and most importantly, to create sustainable career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through ongoing mentoring and support. IKON Services is genuinely committed to playing our role in reconciling Australia by staying completely authentic along our own reconciliation journey.
George Tahan
Managing Director
Relationships
We are committed to building strong and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous businesses and other key stakeholders. Inclusion, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures is at heart of reconciliation. These strong relationships need to be built on trust and respect, and be free of racism. When we get to know each other, attitudes and behaviours toward each other improve. Further, when programs and policies that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are developed and implemented in partnership, better outcomes are achieved.
Respect
Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights and experiences underpins progress toward all five dimensions of reconciliation. Without respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of doing things, respectful relationships cannot be built. Without pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage, we cannot foster a shared national identity. Without understanding the wrongs of the past, we cannot ensure these wrong are never repeated. Over a third of Australians are still unsure of, or do not accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Further, the majority of Australians still describe their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as low. When individuals, organisations and sectors embed cultural competence into their everyday business, we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face less barriers in terms of accessing health, education and employment opportunities. Crucially, respect for and protection of culture, along with equality and non-discrimination are also fundamental human rights that apply to all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Opportunity
We are committed to creating employment opportunities, promoting well-being, and providing a supportive culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as building the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Through our partnerships with social enterprises such as Supply Nation we will support Aboriginal businesses to become part of our supply chain. Equal participation in a range of life opportunities is crucial for the well-being of all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Large and unacceptable gaps between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians exist on all social, health, education and economic indicators. Developing and implementing culturally appropriate, partnership-centred solutions that uphold the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples helps to create the right environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate equally across education, employment and health opportunities.
With 40+ years of experience, as the Principal and Managing Director of IKON Services, I have shaped IKON’s vision and values with an insistence on quality and passion for innovation. I have developed this business from a humble beginning to an industry leader and it is important that as an organisation we create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all cultures. Our Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the actions necessary to take real steps to building stronger relationships and outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
My vision for this organisation is to develop cultural awareness amongst our team members and executives, to develop our own unique Indigenous employment programs and most importantly, to create sustainable career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through ongoing mentoring and support. IKON Services is genuinely committed to playing our role in reconciling Australia by staying completely authentic along our own reconciliation journey.
George Tahan
Managing Director
We are committed to building strong and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous businesses and other key stakeholders. Inclusion, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures is at heart of reconciliation. These strong relationships need to be built on trust and respect, and be free of racism. When we get to know each other, attitudes and behaviours toward each other improve. Further, when programs and policies that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are developed and implemented in partnership, better outcomes are achieved.
Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights and experiences underpins progress toward all five dimensions of reconciliation. Without respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of doing things, respectful relationships cannot be built. Without pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage, we cannot foster a shared national identity. Without understanding the wrongs of the past, we cannot ensure these wrong are never repeated. Over a third of Australians are still unsure of, or do not accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Further, the majority of Australians still describe their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as low. When individuals, organisations and sectors embed cultural competence into their everyday business, we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face less barriers in terms of accessing health, education and employment opportunities. Crucially, respect for and protection of culture, along with equality and non-discrimination are also fundamental human rights that apply to all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We are committed to creating employment opportunities, promoting well-being, and providing a supportive culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as building the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Through our partnerships with social enterprises such as Supply Nation we will support Aboriginal businesses to become part of our supply chain. Equal participation in a range of life opportunities is crucial for the well-being of all peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Large and unacceptable gaps between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians exist on all social, health, education and economic indicators. Developing and implementing culturally appropriate, partnership-centred solutions that uphold the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples helps to create the right environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate equally across education, employment and health opportunities.
RAP ARTWORK BY UNCLE KEVIN WILLIAMS
YANGARRA GIRRANG
In all three of the designs I have included the IKON logo which is symbolic of the meeting place of the Waradjuri our Bora Grounds. The Bora grounds from a traditional perspective is where the Waradjuri would come to meet for ceremonies.
When doing design work I like to be able to include aspect in the design of my artwork and my Heritage as Waradjuri. This can be with the marking and patterns and the more symbolic and from a cultural perspective our Bora Grounds which IKON logo lends itself to perfectly .
The concept for this IKON design came to me first with the symbolic nature of the cleaning and sweeping of the ground with the leaves. This I remembered as a young kids when family would take us home to the Sand Hills Mission in Narrandera. We would visit family in their tin and timber house on the mission with the hession on the walls. To clean the grounds floors my Aunties would sweep the floor with the gum leaves then throw the leaves on to the fire and it is this smell I still remember to this day.
With the leaves I have used them to represent the six locations of IKON and what I have included are the patterns and marking on the leaves of each area. The large central leaf is of IKON in Melbourne the Country of the Wurundjuri of the Kulin Nation the patterns and marking are that of the Waradjuri and is representative of the art of Victoria and NSW. The Orange Leaf is of Sydney with its bright colours and the marking and patterns of the Eora and Gadigal people. The blue leaf is of Brisbane and the colours of the sea and the patterns and markings are of the Turrabal/Jagera people. The green leaf is of SA and Adelaide and the colour of the Flinders Ranges and the Nuunngar people and the dots patterns of their artwork. The brown leaf is of Perth and WA and the Noongar people and their artwork. The yellow leaf is of Geelong and the colours of the Wattle Trees from the country side and art.
The central focus of the artwork is the logo of IKON which is symbolic of the Waradjuri Bora Ground. This is where the support and recognition for both of our cultural values are intrinsically woven into the IKON Bora Ground.
RAP ARTWORK BY UNCLE KEVIN WILLIAMS
YANGARRA GIRRANG
In all three of the designs I have included the IKON logo which is symbolic of the meeting place of the Waradjuri our Bora Grounds. The Bora grounds from a traditional perspective is where the Waradjuri would come to meet for ceremonies.
When doing design work I like to be able to include aspect in the design of my artwork and my Heritage as Waradjuri. This can be with the marking and patterns and the more symbolic and from a cultural perspective our Bora Grounds which IKON logo lends itself to perfectly .
The concept for this IKON design came to me first with the symbolic nature of the cleaning and sweeping of the ground with the leaves. This I remembered as a young kids when family would take us home to the Sand Hills Mission in Narrandera. We would visit family in their tin and timber house on the mission with the hession on the walls. To clean the grounds floors my Aunties would sweep the floor with the gum leaves then throw the leaves on to the fire and it is this smell I still remember to this day.
With the leaves I have used them to represent the six locations of IKON and what I have included are the patterns and marking on the leaves of each area. The large central leaf is of IKON in Melbourne the Country of the Wurundjuri of the Kulin Nation the patterns and marking are that of the Waradjuri and is representative of the art of Victoria and NSW. The Orange Leaf is of Sydney with its bright colours and the marking and patterns of the Eora and Gadigal people. The blue leaf is of Brisbane and the colours of the sea and the patterns and markings are of the Turrabal/Jagera people. The green leaf is of SA and Adelaide and the colour of the Flinders Ranges and the Nuunngar people and the dots patterns of their artwork. The brown leaf is of Perth and WA and the Noongar people and their artwork. The yellow leaf is of Geelong and the colours of the Wattle Trees from the country side and art.
The central focus of the artwork is the logo of IKON which is symbolic of the Waradjuri Bora Ground. This is where the support and recognition for both of our cultural values are intrinsically woven into the IKON Bora Ground.
FLIPBOOK
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
IKON Services would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all lands on which IKON Services and their employees provide their services and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
IKON Services are leaders in the Commercial Cleaning Industry. Currently providing cleaning services to a broad range of clients in both the private and public sectors. IKON cliental includes (but is not limited to); entertainment complexes, office & multipurpose buildings, universities, shopping centres, markets & outdoor venues as well as councils and government sites.
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IKON Services are leaders in the Commercial Cleaning Industry. Currently providing cleaning services to a broad range of clients in both the private and public sectors. IKON cliental includes (but is not limited to); entertainment complexes, office & multipurpose buildings, universities, shopping centres, markets & outdoor venues as well as councils and government sites.
IKON Services would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all lands on which IKON Services and their employees provide their services and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
IKON Services are leaders in the Commercial Cleaning Industry. Currently providing cleaning services to a broad range of clients in both the private and public sectors. IKON cliental includes (but is not limited to); entertainment complexes, office & multipurpose buildings, universities, shopping centres, markets & outdoor venues as well as councils and government sites.
IKON Services would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all lands on which IKON Services and their employees provide their services and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.