Mercer Administration Services held a special event for its 500 staff in Coniston on Monday to mark Reconciliation Week.
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Employees gathered outside at midday to hear a Welcome to Country by Melissa Henkelman who said it was wonderful as a proud member of the local indigenous community to be involved in a business event recognising the relationship between the broader community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"I encourage you to engage in conversations about Reconciliation Week in helping to contribute to our national movement for a unified future together".
The Welcome to Country was followed by a performance from Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts' indigenous cultural vocal group.
Student Zipporah Corser-Anu said the group recently performed at the Public Education Awards in Sydney.
"That was an eye opening experience for us. It was the first professional performance we have done all together".
People and culture leader Renee Whiteside said there were bush tucker tasting plates with native food at the event that was part of Mercer's commitment to reconciliation, supporting its indigenous colleagues and creating a workplace where people from all cultures feel valued and included.
Incoming Head of Mercer Administration Services Craig Rice, who starts his new role in July, attended to support the staff at such a special event.
"It is great that employers such as Mercer embrace this. It is at the grass roots where change happens and acceptance happens," he said.
Mercer team leader Paul Berger spoke of a program he was involved with in the Northern Territory ensuring more young indigenous Australians were able to attend school.
Monday's Reconciliation Week event followed a recent training session with staff by John Briggs.
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