It was with great excitement and respect that Certis Security Australia’s Victorian team welcomed Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick, of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to deliver the official Welcome to Country at Certis Security Australia’s new Melbourne office, which opened in August 2022.
Uncle Ringo shared stories of local culture, country and personal experience with the Certis team, inviting everyone to participate in the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Eucalyptus branches were handed out to be smoked, as a symbol of cleansing and unity, while refreshments from Bunji Catering, an Indigenous business, gave staff a taste of native foods.
“It’s important for Certis to actively engage with and be part of the local communities we operate in,” said Michael Gucic, Victorian State Manager and Certis Security Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan Chairman. “The first step of the journey at our new Victorian Headquarters was to start a relationship with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community and signify our ongoing commitment to engagement with Indigenous elders and youth.”
The ceremony was also the perfect opportunity to welcome the new Deputy Chairman of Certis Security Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan, Douglas Logan. Douglas has extensive experience in security and government sectors, as well as holding a Master Class 5 (Skipper Certificate) and Engineers Certificate from his time as a commercial fisherman.
Having also spent almost ten years working in disability and mental health areas, Douglas was particularly drawn to Certis Security Australia’s Pathways Program for Indigenous Youth, which offers opportunities for work in the security industry.
“I’m passionate about supporting Indigenous persons in any capacity and this role enables me to help and assist Indigenous persons looking for a career in security.”
Douglas is from Warumungu Country, situated south of Darwin, and is a member of the Stolen Generations. This term refers to the many First Nations children who were forcibly removed from their homes and families as a result of various government policies between 1910 and the 1970s, leaving a lasting legacy of trauma and loss that continues to affect First Nations communities, families and individuals today. Although he has recently been able to reconnect with some of his family members, Douglas has not been able to connect to his country and people, an experience that is not uncommon among Indigenous Australians.
As Douglas explains, “It is extremely important to make people aware and gain an understanding of the issues that local Indigenous Australians had when trying to regain their lands and customs. I am focused on raising awareness of the employment challenges Indigenous Australians face, and what we can all do to help fix the problems and make them welcome to the company. Once people are aware of the issues they gain a better understanding of Indigenous customs and are more sympathetic to our history.”
Indigenous engagement is exceptionally important for Certis Security Australia, and the creation of a Reconciliation Action Plan team is essential to ensuring our commitments are executed effectively and empathetically. Our partnership with Corroboree Certis, an Australian Supply Nation-certified Indigenous security services provider, is just one part of our ongoing efforts to improve opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia, while Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies ensure all our employees understand and respect Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
Please join us in welcoming Douglas to Certis and supporting the work of our Reconciliation Action Plan team as they improve opportunities for all Australians.
Learn more about Certis Security Australia’s commitment to Indigenous engagement here.