Omnicom Media Group has launched an official Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to outline its commitment to providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The launch coincides with Reconciliation Week, and saw the media holding company hold all-staff events within its agencies where a 'Welcome to Country', smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance was carried out by local Indigenous people.
It follows a move a week ago by IPG Mediabrands to partner with Australia's National Indigenous Television network (NITV) to raise awareness of the potential of Indigenous audiences and create more Indigenous content.
Its aim is to help Mediabrands' teams better understand Indigenous communities and help develop insights, strategies and connections with its clients. The partnership also paves the way for IPG Mediabrands' own RAP.
Last week Mediabrands CEO Danny Bass said the media industry has both a “need and a responsibility” to be more inclusive.
Peter Horgan, CEO of Omnicom Media Group Australia and New Zealand, says his company is “keen to build a strong and productive relationship with Australia’s First People”.
He says the agency group has set itself employment targets and plans to promote carer opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He did not give details of what those targets are or how the network will engage with a more diverse talent base.
“We want to make a contribution to, and learn from, Australia’s First People and acknowledge their place in our history and culture and their future part in making Australia a proud and successful nation,” he added.
Omnicom has been working on the RAP for 12 months and it is supported by Reconciliation Australia.
Justin Mohamed, CEO of Reconciliation Australia, says: “OMG’s RAP involves multiple initiatives to develop cultural learning, cultural protocols and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend Omnicom Media Group on its inaugural RAP and look forward to following its reconciliation journey.”
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