A new voice for cultural capability and systemic change has been relaunched to help enhance outcomes for the social and community services sector.
Built on the foundation of more than 150 years of First Nations lived experience, Indigenous Perspectives is designed to help empower organisations and communities through evidence-based strategies designed to integrate cultural competence and safety into their operations.
"Our vision is to create real, systemic change that uplifts First Nations peoples, organisations and communities," founder and managing director, Des Rogers, said.
Mr Rogers' experience includes board experience across the not-for-profit, social and community services sectors.
"We believe in the power of the Indigenous perspective to drive innovation, strengthen workplaces and build a more inclusive future," Mr Rogers said.
By embedding the principles of lived experience and evidence-based strategies, it is hoped Indigenous Perspectives can help organisations improve their cultural and business performance whilst simultaneously fostering meaningful relationships with First Nations communities.
Mr Rogers, a Pertame Elder originally from Central Australia, said whilst Indigenous Perspectives was originally established in 2000, recent events had compelled him to come out of retirement.
"Following the failed Voice Referendum, some declared reconciliation 'dead' but the invitation from First Nations people to everyday Australians still stands. We are the most patient people in the world," Mr Rogers said.
"The Queensland Government's decision to abolish the state's Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and repeal its Path to Treaty Act makes it more important than ever to ensure policies that promote reconciliation and unity.
"Indigenous Perspectives is here to lead that charge."
The company offers a range of services.
These include cultural awareness training to help align with government funding requirements; cultural immersion programs for leadership teams to offer transformative insights through Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing; cultural change management to co-design frameworks to help shift workplace culture; advisory services to offer an Indigenous lens on operation challenges; and mentoring services to help empower First Nations staff.
The Supply Nation-registered provider said they were committed to ethical practices and partnerships which align with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
They underpin Indigenous Perspectives' goal of ensuring responsible operations for organisations as well sustainable development outcomes for both clients, and the communities they serve.
"Now, more than ever, organisations must step up to demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and unity," Mr Rogers said.
"Indigenous Perspectives is ready to support them on that journey."