2024 Indigenous Impact: Reflecting on CTM's Partnerships

“At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.” – Reconciliation Australia.

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is committed to cultivating a national culture of equality, equity, and shared understanding. Throughout 2024, this commitment has deepened, with a focus on enhancing cultural education, promoting an inclusive and culturally safe workplace, and strengthening our connections with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This year, we proudly continued our support for the Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program, NRL Cowboys House and Sistas Stand Strong Program, and forged new partnerships with impactful organisations, including Yalari and Kulbardi.

In this blog, we reflect on CTM’s partnerships throughout 2024, their impact, and our role in driving positive change.

Key actions in 2024

Yalari scholarship program

In May 2024, CTM and Virgin Australia joined forces to sponsor Yalari, a non-profit organisation that provides scholarships for Indigenous children from regional and remote communities to attend some of Australia’s leading boarding schools. The Yalari scholarships offer more than just financial support; they also ensure students have access to a comprehensive support network, including dedicated Student Support Officers who assist with their educational, personal, and cultural development.

For Indigenous youth in regional and remote areas, corporate sponsorship opens doors to educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Through this investment, CTM aims to make a lasting impact on Yalari’s student cohort, helping to further its mission of becoming one of Australia’s most enduring educational and leadership foundations, empowering Indigenous communities for generations to come.

The Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program

The Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program empowers mature-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to pursue and thrive in their higher education at Curtin University. Through this program, recipients gain financial and holistic support and a tailored mentoring experience in their final year, preparing them to return to their communities as strong leaders and role models.

“Moorditj Yorga,” meaning “strong woman” in the Nyungar language of Western Australia’s southwest, reflects the program’s focus on building resilience and leadership.

CTM is proud to have supported five remarkable women on their higher education journeys—two recent graduates and three who are actively pursuing their degrees. This year, our three yorgas achieved great milestones in their studies: Tara-Anne Rangi (Bachelor of Education) completed her final semester of placement, Keisha Calyun (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) successfully secured a position in the Rural Clinical School program for 2025 at Broome Regional Hospital, and Rebecca Davis (Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching and Education Studies) advanced through her certificate coursework while also taking additional units that may contribute toward her future Bachelor’s degree.

Adding to these achievements, scholarship recipient Renna Gayde celebrated her graduation in early 2024, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from Curtin University.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Gayde shared, “I never thought I would attend university, but it has truly been an investment in myself, my children, and my community. As a Walbunja woman from the Yuin Nation, receiving this scholarship boosted my confidence and affirmed that I was on the right path.”

NRL Cowboys House and Sistas Stand Strong

NRL Cowboys House provides supported accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities, empowering them to access secondary education and pursue brighter futures. As a proud ‘House Partner’, CTM’s support helps to create life-changing educational opportunities for young Indigenous Australians.

As part of our partnership with NRL Cowboys House, CTM, in collaboration with CBRE, supports the ‘Sistas Stand Strong’ program—a women’s empowerment initiative designed to inspire and equip the young women residing at Cowboys House. This program provides guidance and educational activities aimed at building their confidence and preparing them for future success. In 2024, CTM’s contribution enabled 46 girls from years 7 to 12 to participate in sessions covering leadership, confidence-building, personal safety, respectful relationships, and career preparation. This year, the program participants achieved remarkable milestones, including school subject awards, First Nations captain nominations, and offers for employment and tertiary education opportunities.

CTM also partners with the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), which hosts an Indigenous Round each season, celebrating First Nations culture and heritage, encouraging inclusive participation, and strengthening connections with Indigenous communities.

In acknowledgement of this round, CTM collaborated with the WNBL and Townsville Fire to deliver a memorable experience for eight Cowboys House students. The students enjoyed courtside seats at the Townsville Fire’s home game against Adelaide Lightning, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with the Townsville Fire players, who took time to sign autographs and share stories.

CTM is proud to have positively impacted the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout 2024. Looking ahead, CTM will release our renewed Innovate RAP in 2025, which will guide the next phase of our reconciliation journey, driving further progress and growth.