Reflect was our first integrated strategy for mutually beneficial and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We formalised our reconciliation journey and recognised that to achieve and promote a culture of safety with all stakeholders in the maritime industry, we need to engage, listen, and learn from our Indigenous communities.

The first step in our journey was to appoint a dedicated Safety Liaison Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators. 

Meet Desley Thompson, AMSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Safety Liaison Advisor. 

Achievements

We launched targeted education programs for First Nations seafarers, participated in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. We also implemented cultural awareness training for our staff, encouraging respectful and culturally appropriate relationships between AMSA and First Nations people.  

We engaged a Badu Island artist who created artwork now displayed on our Cairns-based Challenger aircraft. Baydham the shark displayed in this artwork is known as the protector of the reef.  

Learn more about Torres Strait artist Michael Nona and the story of ‘Baydham’.  

Our Reflect RAP saw us procure $2 million of goods and services through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. 

We provided 240 hours of service to a First Nations community by participating in the Jawun APS Secondment Program. Jawun allows us to work with Indigenous communities and leaders with mutual benefits as we exchange knowledge and skills. 

We advanced maritime safety in the Torres Strait through the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program by working with stakeholders on educational safety measures.

The journey

This is AMSA’s journey of reconciliation: where every step taken is a step towards togetherness, every action a ripple widening the circle of inclusion. Our map is drawn with respect, and every nautical mile travelled brings us closer to the shared shores of understanding and recognition.

Click on the infographic below to download a PDF copy. 

Learn more about our infographic (text description)

At AMSA, we are chartering a course that acknowledges where we've been, understands where we are, and knows where we want to be - in the spirit of reconciliation.

Our infographic is an indigenous design artwork that visually shows the timeline of AMSA’s journey of reconciliation. Nine stepping stones represent each step in our journey.

1. Our reconciliation journey began in 2022 with Reflect RAP...
2. Appointed a dedicated Safety Liaison Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.
3. Participated in National Reconciliation Week NAIDOC Week and implemented cultural awareness training for staff.
4. Procured $2 million of goods and services through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
5. Launched new artwork on Cairns-based Challenger aircraft and donated Yawkyawk artwork to the International Maritime Organisation.
6. Launched targeted educational programs for First Nations seafarers.
7. Participated in Jawun APS Secondment Program, providing 240 hours of service to a First Nations community.
8. Advanced maritime safety in the Torres Strait through the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program.
9. Our Innovate RAP will see us take the next step in our journey to reconciliation.

The infographic includes an image of Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag and banner image from Diversity Council Australia 'Proud to be an inclusive employer 2023-2024'.