Last updated: 2/09/2010
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Our involvement in the communityAustralia’s Indigenous business sector is part of our community and we are committed to it’s growth and support. As part of that commitment we offer Indigenous business support through strategic advice, business analysis, mentoring, and governance training. We also give pro bono support to a select number of businesses and not-for-profit clients each year.
Meet some of the business people and organisations making a difference. CEO Colin Gordon of CDG Logistics, a Sydney-based transport logistics business.  Colin Gordon
CDG Logistics – the human face of Corporate Social ResponsibilityWhat does it mean when Corporate Social Responsibility is the very fabric of the business itself? Meet Colin Gordon, who is literally ‘giving people a go.’ As CEO of CDG Logistics, his company’s triple bottom line might likely read: People. Profit. People.
Colin Gordon views corporate social responsibility as about ‘giving people a go’. As an Indigenous business owner and employer, Colin views CSR programs from two perspectives: implementation and impact. After relocating to Sydney from Newcastle his desire to ‘do something’ to give back to the community was the catalyst to start his own business. Colin says he employs people who for various reasons don’t fit the formal recruitment process. He explains: ‘They might not have a formal education or the skills to compete in the workplace... or even the formal interview process itself.’ Rather than opportunities Colin says they ‘face barriers to finding a job and achieving economic independence.’ ‘I realised that if I wanted to be in a position to offer jobs,’ says Colin, ‘then I had to become an employer.’ Gordon’s motto is: ‘If people want to work, then I aim to give them an opportunity to work.’ ‘I offer entry level employment opportunities for people who have little or no experience in the workforce.’ ‘A job provides economic independence, and a step out of the poverty cycle and of unemployment.’ Colin’s approach to mentoring is hands-on, and he is sceptical of mentoring relationships that ‘drizzle down to a monthly phone call.’ He says of his team, ‘I am there to pick them up, buy them lunch... whatever it takes.’ As well as employer, Colin says he is ‘boss, big brother, mentor and friend'.’ Most of his employees are in the 18-30 years age group, although the current workforce ranges from 17-56. Employees might be transitioning from long-term unemployment, and some are Stream 4 JSA (Job Services Australia) clients and need intensive workplace support. Others have had limited exposure in a business environment. ‘Over a period of 6-12 months my employees learn what is expected in the workplace and gain valuable life skills that help build self-esteem and ultimately, financial independence.’ The opportunity to earn a regular wage enables a better quality of life in areas many people take for granted – such as buying a car. ‘The ability to offer someone a lift,’ says Colin, ‘instead of always trying to get a lift with someone else, for example ... opportunities like this can have a direct impact on the rest of the family.’ ‘For example, having a car means being able to drive to work, or drive someone to hospital.’ Colin’s priority is growing a sustainable business, which is why he became a member and certified supplier of AIMSC - the Australian Indigenous Minority Suppler Council. AIMSC is an organisation of Australian companies and government agencies. Members can network with and purchase from Indigenous enterprises to achieve corporate social responsibility and procurement goals.
Colin says, ‘AIMSC is about helping businesses like mine achieve their goals.’ ‘They set a professional benchmark for Indigenous enterprises, and act as a conduit between Indigenous suppliers and the supply chain of Australian companies and government agencies.’ ‘I strongly believe AIMSC can provide an avenue for Indigenous businesses to grow and prosper, by facilitating opportunities with corporate Australia that would never come about otherwise.’ Building a vibrant and prosperous Indigenous business sector is the human face of CSR policy. ‘As Indigenous businesses grow’, says Colin, ‘they can employ more Indigenous people. This is the way forward for self determination.’ What does 2010 hold for Colin Gordon and CDG Logistics? ‘I hope to see the fruition of a variety of business plans over the coming 12 months.’ You can read an interview with AIMSC’s founding Director Michael McLeod here |
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