Brighter Super unveils First Nations action plan to advance reconciliation and opportunity

6 November 2024

Brighter Super has launched its first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan as part of its commitment to advance reconciliation and create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The launch of the Innovate RAP marks a significant milestone in Brighter Super's journey towards creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace and society.

"As we embark on this reconciliation journey, we aim to create positive change not just within our organisation, but across the broader superannuation industry," Brighter Super Chief Executive Officer Kate Farrar said.

Since 1965, Brighter Super has been at the forefront of helping Queenslanders secure their financial futures. Built on the foundations of three successful Queensland superannuation funds – LGIAsuper, Energy Super, and Suncorp Super (SPSL) – Brighter Super has a rich history of serving members across various sectors, including local government, finance, energy, and electrical industries.

“This work is particularly important given our support of 17 First Nation Councils across Queensland and our broader membership. The intention of our Innovate RAP is to strengthen our relationships and services to these communities and their peoples whom we serve,’’ Ms Farrar said. 

Brighter Super’s Reconciliation Action Plan outlines concrete steps the organisation will take to:

- Increase awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within the organisation
- Develop opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and career advancement
- Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses in the fund's supply chain
- Contribute to initiatives that support financial literacy and wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Brighter Super has worked with Queensland-based BlackCard to deliver cultural awareness training to key executives in 2024, with plans to continue to roll this out across staff in 2025. 

“It has been terrific to join Brighter Super early in their journey to help them understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures.” BlackCard Chief Executive Officer Mundanara Bayles said. 

“The thing that really impresses me about Brighter Super is their commitment to reconciliation comes from the top, CEO Kate Farrar, was my first student and is a true friend of the Blackcard,” Ms Bayles said.

A key focus for Brighter Super over the next two years of delivering on this Plan will be working collaboratively across the superannuation sector to enhance services. 

Brighter Super has engaged with the First Nations Foundation to provide nation leading support in the design and delivery of services, and to participate in the national agenda. 

“The First Nation Foundation has been proud to partner with Brighter Super to both support the delivery of their Reconciliation Action Plan, but also we have valued their contribution and support in contributing to a national uplift in services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people,’’ First Nations Foundation Chief Executive Officer Phil Usher said.

Proud Kalkadoon, Waanyi and Quandamooka artist, Kylie Hill who is based in Ipswich has worked with Brighter Super to develop artwork that intertwines their commitment to reconciliation and reflects who Brighter Super is.

“It’s been wonderful to work with Brighter Super and be part of their reconciliaƟon journey and be given the opportunity to create a piece of art that is truly meaningful to my people and Brighter Super’s members,” Ms Hill said.

Brighter Super’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and story of our artwork please visit brightersuper.com.au