Australian retailer Woolworths Group reinforced its commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on Friday, as the second 2019-2021 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) rolled out.

Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci launched the new plan in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members.

“Our new RAP reinforces our commitment to create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and outlines the progress we are making with stakeholders in this space,” he said.

“We are a part of virtually every community in Australia and as the country’s largest employer we know we have an important role to play in creating opportunities for prosperity for all Australians. This diversity brings a rich culture, personality and vibrancy to our business. 

Woolworths’ Resourcing the Future program in partnership with the organisation, Diversity Dimensions have added 2279 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members over the past three years. The retail giant said in a statement that the program has a retention rate of 71 per cent and targets 900 opportunities by 30 June 2021.

“We see our role in creating these opportunities for prosperity through the RAP via employment and supplier relationships and by nurturing lasting and impactful ties to communities through our national footprint of stores.”

Woolworths’ beverage business Endeavour Drinks also partnered with the non-profit organisation, Jawun, and established the first external Indigenous Advisory Panel in 2018.

Woolworths said that the new RAP will continue to share skills and knowledge through the different programs and “driving closer community engagement via our network of stores”.