Indigenous Engagement
Blackwoods has taken great steps in creating a culturally safe and diverse workplace. We continue to build beyond employment parity with over 4% of team members identifying as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders.
We are committed to developing sustainable talent pipelines, including hosting paid university interns from Career Trackers and the school-based trainees of The Clontarf Foundation.
Blackwoods team members participate in the Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program, conducted by Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.
Diversity in Procurement & Employment
Blackwoods is a founding and active member of Supply Nation, an organisation focused on introducing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated businesses to organisations where supplier diversity is a priority.
Through our Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy & Plan, we have committed to supply engagement and procurement targets, and implemented programs to support First Nation businesses participating in the supply of goods and services to our organisation and recently acquired a minority interest in the Supply Nation Certified business Geared Up Culcha, which has built a widely respected reputation for the supply of PPE, apparel, promotional goods, signage, and design.
Community Contributions
We make positive contributions to the communities in which we operate. Significantly, our partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, through the Indigenous Australian Program, has seen a longstanding commitment to improving eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Blackwoods donates 10 per cent of profits from its sale of PROSAFE eyewear, face shields and related accessories to The Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program. In November 2023, Blackwoods and The Foundation jointly celebrated a significant milestone – $3 million in charitable donations made by Blackwoods since 2010. Blackwoods donated more than $370, 000 to various community groups supporting education, charities, sporting teams and more including Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australian Program in FY23.