Category: News

Block’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is designed to empower, create transparency, and foster connections with Indigenous communities.

More than AUD$3 million of Social Impact Fund committed to date in delivering programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across Australia.

DISTRIBUTED-WORK-MODEL/MELBOURNE, July 11, 2024. Block, Inc. [NYSE: SQ] today launches its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Australia, solidifying its commitment to fostering impactful Indigenous partnerships and implementing programs that drive positive social change. The plan, the latest in its long-standing commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, brings together the full ecosystem of Block businesses (including Square, Afterpay, and Cash App), as well as Foundational teams in a shared purpose of increasing access for all to financial tools, investing in entrepreneurship and inclusive systems, and innovating the global payments system, so that people can empower themselves in the economy.

“At Block, we recognise the profound importance of our commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and cultures. We understand that our existence goes beyond providing financial services and profit; it’s about embodying fundamental principles that resonate with the fabric of society. 

“Technology, for us, isn’t merely an industry but a powerful tool to empower, create transparency, and foster connections.”

Ant Eisen  Afterpay Co-Founder and Block’s RAP Champion

Block’s Reflect Plan, the first stage of the RAP process, includes actions to bring its businesses and Foundational teams together to partake in relevant stakeholder engagement, education, and training programs; establish ongoing community partnerships; and plan and participate in cultural awareness initiatives.

“As we look to the future, we are eager to build upon the foundations we’ve established. Our commitment to reconciliation is about taking tangible steps and embarking on initiatives that add real value to our society and community. From fostering impactful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples partnerships to implementing programs that drive positive social change, our journey is marked by purposeful action,” Eisen continued.

Empowered Futures by Rhonda Sampson

To capture this mission, Rhonda Sampson, proud Kamilaroi woman, and artist specialising in contemporary Aboriginal artwork, has been commissioned to visually tell the Block story. Titled Empowered Futures,the artwork serves as a visual representation of Block’s commitment to the journey of Reconciliation and will act as a guide for the business to fulfill the commitments made.

“The Block group is passionately devoted to advancing economic empowerment while amplifying the voices and businesses of Indigenous communities both within and beyond their business. Empowered Futures acts as a roadmap for them to follow in applying that passion, educating themselves, and their communities, to make meaningful change,” Sampson said.

The RAP plan builds on a host of new and existing initiatives, both independently and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, with the intention to continue to build upon these initiatives to create lasting, impactful change.

In 2020, Block established a USD$100 million social impact investment fund in support of minority and underserved communities, driven by our purpose of economic empowerment and ongoing commitment to racial equality. USD$10 million has been allocated as an investment in international funds and lenders focusing on underserved communities in Block’s markets outside the U.S.

Initiatives delivered as a part of the fund, and in addition to, include:

• In November 2023, Block invested AUD$3 million in a new fund set up by First Australians Capital (FAC), a national Indigenous-led fund manager dedicated to helping Indigenous entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
• Block is now into our second year of a partnership with Indigitek, with The Indigenous New Developer Initiative, a scholarship program funded by Cash App, consisting of a 3-month paid General Assembly bootcamp, followed by a 6-month paid internship at Cash App with the opportunity of full-time employment. The program has already resulted in full-time employment and several scholarship opportunities.
• Square and Afterpay joined forces with House of Darwin, a for-profit social enterprise and clothing company reinvesting its profits into social programs, and the 2023 Aboriginal Economic Development Forum in Darwin. Block provided financial support for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to attend the forum and conducted workshops on utilising Square’s products.
• Children’s Ground is guided by a 25-year approach led by First Nations leaders and is committed to driving systemic reform and revitalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge. Block has provided monetary contributions and will continue to find meaningful ways to support their endeavours in 2024 and beyond.
• Make It Happen HQ specialises in supporting First Nations entrepreneurs by facilitating access to resources and offering expanded learning opportunities. In addition to financial contributions, Block donated 512 Square card readers and 510 reader docks to empower Make it Happen HQ in achieving their mission.

Block also strives to integrate reconciliation and cultural learning into our workplace culture. Recent activity includes NAIDOC Week firesides, excursions to the Yuldea performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre and always-on knowledge sharing by our employee resource group Indigenous@.

“This Reflect RAP enables Block to deepen its understanding of the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions of reconciliation.”

Karen Mundine

Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia

In the Reflect RAP, Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia, said, “Reconciliation Australia welcomes Block to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. This Reflect RAP enables Block to deepen its understanding of the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions of reconciliation. Getting these right puts Block in an incredibly unique position to increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and to take the next step and provide meaningful impact toward reconciliation and I look forward to working with them to do so.” 

Acknowledgement of Country

Block, Inc. acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present, and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

About Block

Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) (formerly, Square, Inc.) is a global technology company with a focus on financial services. Made up of Square, Cash App, TIDAL, and TBD, we build tools to help more people access the economy. Square makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible for sellers with its integrated ecosystem of technology solutions. With Cash App, anyone can easily send, spend, or invest their money in stocks or bitcoin. Afterpay brings Square and Cash App together, connecting consumers and businesses. Artists use TIDAL to help them succeed as entrepreneurs and connect more deeply with fans. TBD is building an open source platform and developer infrastructure that enables everyone to access and participate in the global economy.

Read Block’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

Original Article

Qantas held their Annual Qantas Employee NAIDOC Awards this week at the Mascot campus, recognising the outstanding work of First Nations employees and their allies.

It was a special event which included an Uncle Matthew Doyle and Wuruniri Music and Dance, attended by employees and leaders based across Qantas headquarters & airports.

Qantas recognised employees across four categories; First Nations Employee Champion, First Nations Community Champion, First Nations Ally Champion and Rising Star, as well as awards to recognise and celebrate the inaugural Daramu committee – our employee Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee and ally network.

The event also included the unveiling of the new First Nations employee identity by artist and graphic designer Rhonda Sampson.

Qantas continues to proudly celebrate the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”

This year’s theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

“Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.For more visit: 

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue. 

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people and are with us.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make you want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Together, we must build on the work of the past and create a legacy for the future. 

Now more than ever, the work continues: in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling institutionalised inequity. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June every year – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to recommit ourselves to reconciliation and the fight for First Nations justice in Australia.

Learn more about the history of National Reconciliation Week

NRW 2024 posters and assets will be released in February 2024: 
reconciliation.org.au 

After seeing my artwork on the Opera House an art teacher from Vista Elementary School located in Simi Valley, California USA reached out to me to collaborate on a project for their students from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. 
The students were really inspired by the Opera House artwork and wanted to do a project with me, so I made a trip into the city and filmed a short video front of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and shared my journey with them.
We gave the students the task of selecting a location they were familiar with and representing this through their artwork (pictured). Some of the locations they selected were places like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Lego Land, Homes, Parks, Pools, Zoos, Beaches etc.
I was absolutely honoured to inspire kids across the other side of the world and how much fun they had doing this project some who didn’t want to leave class because they weren’t finished. 
A Very Special Thank You to Miss Keenan from Vista Elementary Simi Valley for reaching out to me to collaborate on such a special project and to all of the students at Vista Elementary who got involved the artwork are incredible.

I recently received a Community Recognition Statement from local member for Drummoyne, Stephanie Di Pasqua MP in recognition of my murals for the WestConnex Transurban Motorway Control Centre at St. Peters. Always great to see your work appreciated. Thank you, Stephanie Di Pasqua MP for the very nice surprise.

It reads:

RHONDA SAMPSON

Documented in the NSW Parliament Legislative Assembly Hansard on 22 June 2023

I rise to recognise Kamilaroi artist Rhonda Sampson for her artwork titled ‘Connected Journeys’.

Commissioned by Transurban to create the murals for the WestConnex Motorway Control Centre at St. Peters, ‘Connected Journeys’ is a visual representation of our journeys on the WestConnex, keeping connected to country, ocean and each other.

The artwork is installed on two walls within the Control Room, and since being installed has sparked a lot of conversation and encouraged visitors to learn about Indigenous Australians and their history, as well as the clans that make up the Eora Nation.

Rhonda is very passionate about sharing her art and her vision is to empower others to embrace their creative talents and share that gift with the world. To dream beyond your ability and create your vision, to inspire future generations.

I wish to congratulate Rhonda on her amazing artwork and on her inspirational journey.

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne)

Walkinshaw Andretti United has today revealed both Indigenous Round liveries the team will run at the Darwin Triple Crown from June 16 -18, designed by Rhonda Sampson. The event will take place on Larrakia country.

Rhonda Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi woman who lives on Dharawal country in South Western Sydney. Art is central to Rhonda’s cultural identity, and she is passionate about sharing this with all people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous so they can come together on the journey of understanding Aboriginal culture, stories, and identity.

The Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT No. 2 and Mobil 1 Optus Racing Ford Mustang GT No. 25 will feature separate artworks across the event.

The artwork on Car 25, ‘Connected Communities’, was commissioned by Optus to reflect their commitment to reconciliation and their commitment to create a better, more connected future for all Australians.

At the centre of the livery design is Optus, surrounded by employees from across the nation who are committed to the journey of reconciliation and carrying out their duties in support of Optus’ vision to be Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships. The four pillars of their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance are featured in support of and to guide Optus’ journey of reconciliation which aims to increase, inspire and empower ‘Connected Communities’.

The five Optus values of customer focus, challenger spirit, teamwork, integrity, and personal excellence are also depicted in the artwork by five motifs – highlighting the importance of accountability, respect and reciprocity as Optus’ progresses its reconciliation journey.

The artwork on Car 2, ‘Under the Stars,’ is a visual representation of a commitment to and an ongoing journey towards reconciliation by NTI, which partnered with Walkinshaw Andretti United for the livery.

At the centre of the design is the NTI team members who are committed to making a real difference in the community and strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples across the country.

Located in the four corners of the artwork are the four pillars of a Reconciliation Action Plan.

(RAP): Respect, Relationships. Opportunities and Governance. The stars, which are scattered throughout the piece, represent the night sky and Southern Cross and signify people, customers and partners across Australia working together for a safer and more sustainable future.

For Indigenous Round, NTI have generously hollowed out their logo to ensure the key themes of the Under The Stars is seen by all.

Walkinshaw Andretti United team members will wear a special Indigenous Round polo that features both designs, which will also be for sale in the team merchandise area. Proceeds for those sales will be donated to the Clontarf Foundation, a fantastic organisation that so many of our partners, such as Optus, Ampol, Coates and Hastings Deering, work closely with.

Importantly, through a collaboration between partners Spicers Paper and Signzone, both cars have been wrapped with 3M Envision Print Wrap Film, which is a non-PVC, phthalate-free film, and is made from bio-based materials.

Both cars will open the Darwin Triple Crown this Friday, June 16, at Hidden Valley Raceway for Practice 1 and 2.

Rhonda Sampson – Artist

“It’s great to see the artworks I created for both Optus and NTI on the Walkinshaw Andretti United cars for Indigenous Round, Mustangs are actually my favourite car.

Both artworks were created separately for Optus and NTI and each with their own storyline. To have Walkinshaw Andretti United showcase them for such an important round on Larrakia country is amazing and I’m truly honored.

A special thank you to the KARI Foundation, NTI, Optus, Walkinshaw Andretti United and everyone that works behind the scenes. I can’t wait to see them in action this weekend and I will be cheering you on from Sydney”.

Bruce Stewart – Team Principal, Walkinshaw Andretti United

“It is fantastic to celebrate the contribution of our Indigenous community across our team this weekend. It is a special weekend on our calendar, and one we really look forward to.

“Our thanks go to Optus and NTI who have kindly helped with both our liveries through their artworks, which represent so much, but also a big thank you to our entire partnership group who have fully endorsed and supported the program from the beginning.

“We can’t wait to wear our special Indigenous Round polos with pride this weekend, of course with proceeds going to the Clontarf Foundation, who a number of our partners work closely with. Having their students at the track this weekend is an awesome thing to be a part of.

Matt Williams – Managing Director of Marketing & Revenue, Optus

“We are really excited about bringing together our valued partner in Walkinshaw Andretti United and Kamilaroi artist, Rhonda Sampson, who designed our Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, titled ‘Connected Communities’.

Celebrating the valued contribution of our Indigenous community is extremely important to us at Optus, and we recognise the importance of listening, learning and reflecting to build a lasting relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We can’t wait to see the livery on the track at Hidden Valley.”

Jason Kibsgaard – Head of Marketing, NTI

“We’re excited to celebrate First Nations people and culture over the weekend of racing in Darwin. It’s always a round that has a unique capacity to unite people from all across Australia.

“’Under the Stars’ holds a lot of meaning for all of NTI’s people across Australia, and I love how obviously the artwork has been used as the feature of the car.

“The WAU Team have done fantastic job of respecting the story and meaning of Rhonda’s artwork when incorporating it onto what we think is the best looking car on the track.”

The very special livery that Truck Assist Racing will field for the Indigenous Round has been unveiled ahead of the Darwin Triple Crown.

The design was created by Sydney artist and proud Kamilaroi woman, Rhonda Sampson, and implemented onto the team’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s by Nick Moss Design and SS Signs.

Both Car #34, driven by Jack Le Brocq, and Car #35, driven by Cameron Hill, will feature the artwork.

The livery will then remain on the cars for the NTI Townsville 500 next month.

Sampson’s artwork, Under the Stars, is a visual representation of parent company NTI’s values and work with Australian industries, as well as a commitment to reconciliation – supported by the famous Truck Assist orange.

The imagery on the roof of both cars signifies NTI and Truck Assist team members, who are committed to making a real difference in the community and strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples across Australia.

Featuring prominently on the doors is a representation of the Truck Assist brand.

The stars, which are scattered throughout the artwork, represent the night sky and Southern Cross – signifying NTI and Truck Assist Racing’s people, customers, and partners across Australia working together for a safer and more sustainable future.

Running from the bonnet over the roof to the rear of the car is the journey of shared history incorporating Past, Present, and Future.

MSR Team Owner, Matt Stone said: “I think we have great looking cars this year and this Darwin round Indigenous livery really adds to that.

“The colours and the meaning of the artwork is really cool – I think the team have done a great job integrating the artwork with our normal livery.

“I’d say this is our best Indigenous livery yet, so we’re going to keep it for Townsville as well because Townsville is the NTI 500 round and, of course, this artwork that Rhonda did was done to represent NTI.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it on track this weekend in Darwin.”

NTI’s Head of Marketing, Jason Kibsgaard, said: “The Truck Assist Racing team have done an incredible job integrating the artwork of Rhonda Sampson that represents NTI’s people and brands – including Truck Assist.

“I love how the artwork has been applied across the whole car; there’s a lot of meaning behind it and the team have done a great job by respecting that meaning and ensuring it really does tell a story.”

On the front wheel arches of Car #35 is the company Gear Select – a majority owned Indigenous business which specialises in equipment finance and hire solutions.

Gear Select aims to make a difference by helping the community gain access and knowledge in the areas of budgeting and finance.

MSR’s Indigenous Round liveries will take to Hidden Valley Raceway for Supercars’s opening practice session on Friday morning.

On Wednesday 31^st May I joined Optus’ National Reconciliation Week event as a panellist to discuss what it means to ‘Be A Voice for Generations.

A pleasure to share the stage with Billy Watkins (Optus Graduate and proud Bundjalung man) Frances Martin (VP of Operations & Enablement, advocate, ally, and RAP committee member) and panel facilitator Kate Aitken (VP People & Culture).

A truly engaging panel discussion and it was a pleasure to share the meaning behind the artwork and the role art plays in storytelling to preserve First Nations people’s histories, cultures, and traditions.

So great to see so many people come together for the event. Thanks to all the panellists for your insights and to and Kate Aitken for hosting the event – it was an enlightening and courageous discussion that really highlighted the importance of taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation.

Optus Reconciliation Action Plan

We are so excited to announce that the winner of the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition is Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland.

Bobbi’s art is not defined by conventional means, instead she provides an insight into her creative heart and soul through an array of different mediums, including Aboriginal art, fine art paintings, photography, illustration and digital design.

“As an artist I find art healing, when I sit down with a canvas and some paints, I’m able to connect with my ancestors and my culture and feel a sense of self-healing and there’s just something so calming about creating. When I create, it’s like a whole other world,” said Bobbi.

The National NAIDOC Week Poster is an iconic feature of National NAIDOC Week, and has a rich and significant history beginning in the 1960s when the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) first began producing posters.

Bobbi’s artwork, For Our Elders, is a heart-warming piece that pays tribute to our Elders. “With this year’s poster design, I really just wanted to honour all our Elders and I started sketching straight away thinking who could I put on this poster, but then I realised I didn’t want to just put a specific Elder because all our Elders are equally important and are integral to our lives,” said Bobbi.

The National NAIDOC Committee would like to thank the many deadly artists who entered into this year’s National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition, and would like to strongly encourage them to enter the competition next year. Co-Chair, Dr Lynette Riley said “Each year, judging and selecting the artwork is one of the toughest jobs of the National NAIDOC Committee as there is so much talent amongst all our Mob!”

Bobbi will receive a $10,000 cash prize and attend the 2023 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Meanjin (Brisbane) on 1 July this year as a guest of the National NAIDOC Committee.

This year National NAIDOC Week will run from 2-9 July.

Explore the NAIDOC website to get a copy of the poster, download a colouring-in version, or free social media tiles, and don’t forget to share how you are going to celebrate National NAIDOC Week!

In other exciting news, posters will also be available through select Kmart and Target stores. Find out more about how you can get your poster from Kmart and Target here.