The word Wiimali originates from the native Gamilaraay language of Australia. It means ‘To light a fire’.
The Wiimali program is designed to light the fire for ARA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and provide them with the support they need in both their work and home lives.
The innovative program is an employee recruitment, mentoring and community engagement program for all internal staff who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Being holistic and mindful of cultural, business, and social needs, the Wiimali program supports the ARA Divisions processes to ensure inclusion of Indigenous employment. The program has the full support from the ARA Group and ARA Indigenous Services.
The Wiimali program is managed by a leadership team of ARA Indigenous services employees who work nationally to support and encourage our Indigenous staff to succeed as recognised and valued members of the business. With each Indigenous employee becoming a member of the Wiimali program, our aim is to provide long-lasting, meaningful, and life-changing employment opportunities.
The key challenge for the Wiimali program
For Indigenous people to transition from community living to employment in a high-performance environment driven by the clients’ needs can sometimes be a difficult transition. ARA Indigenous Services Leadership team understands this and the Wiimali program is designed to assist. Our team has vast experience and knowledge of these challenges through their own lived experience, both from a personal and professional standpoint.
The Wiimali Awards is where we recognise and celebrate Indigenous excellence across the ARA Group.
With four awards categories, this event will highlight the hard work and commitment of the Wiimali Program employees, graduates and mentors. The awards have been designed to acknowledge and thank those who contribute to the growing success of the Wiimali Program as well as recognise employees who have taken a personal responsibility and actively contribute towards reconciliation in their workplace.
The ARA Group acknowledges the connection of people, land and communities within the areas that we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We seek to maintain meaningful partnerships by undertaking the appropriate engagement practices within our business and for our communities. We know the importance of respecting, understanding and sharing the oldest living cultures in the world.