Pacific National expresses its gratitude to the dedicated team of individuals who volunteered their time last week at an Australian Red Cross engagement session held at the Wingecarribee Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Mittagong.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for Pacific National employees from our Moss Vale depot and members of the RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) working group to connect, learn, and listen to the concerns of the Dhungung people in the local area. Aunty Sharon and Aunty Mel, who shared insights into their work mapping the land, collaborating with the government, and engaging and supporting the local community in preserving their cultural heritage, were instrumental in fostering understanding.
During the engagement session, our team actively contributed to the ‘Mittagong Food Share’ initiative, addressing food security challenges faced by the local community due to cost-of-living pressures, unemployment, and an aging and isolated population. By assisting in packing weekly food hampers, our team directly met the immediate needs of the community.
The session also included interaction with indigenous children from two local schools, where our team had the opportunity to discuss career pathways and employment opportunities in the rail industry. This engagement aimed to inspire young minds and showcase the diverse pathways available in our industry.
Our ongoing partnership with the Australian Red Cross is centered around building safer communities and assisting First Nations communities in preparing, recovering, and responding to natural disasters. As a fitting conclusion to the day, an emergency preparedness exercise challenged the participating children to discern between items they want and items they actually need, encouraging thoughtful consideration in emergency situations.
Andrew Beck, Pacific National Chief Legal Officer and Executive Sponsor of Reconciliation Plan, said, “Pacific National is proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen community bonds and empower individuals. Our partnership with the Australian Red Cross underscores our commitment to building resilient communities and supporting First Nations peoples. It also gives us a great opportunity to listen and learn, helping us make more informed decisions throughout our Reconciliation journey.”
