This year, Grace Workplace Solutions, the commercial moving division of Grace Removals, has taken a significant step in reinforcing its dedication to Indigenous literacy and education. Partnering with renowned Gunnai and Waradjuri artist Robert Michael Young, Grace Removals aims to support The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) in a visually captivating and meaningful way.
The collaboration
This partnership is not just another corporate initiative; it is our commitment to NAIDOC Week and beyond. By commissioning Robert Young to reproduce his original artwork onto a new Grace Workplace truck, Grace is raising awareness for the ILF’s vital work to supply and create culturally relevant books to support remote Indigenous Communities, to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice.
A canvas on wheels
The newly painted Grace Workplace truck is more than just a vehicle; it is a moving canvas that showcases Robert’s extraordinary artwork. This mobile masterpiece serves as a powerful symbol of the importance of caring for and nurturing precious objects and stories. Wherever this truck travels, it spreads a message of hope and inspiration, aligning perfectly with the ILF’s mission to promote literacy and a passion for reading among First Nations’ children.
Commitment to reconciliation
Grace’s collaboration with Robert Young is part of its broader Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This plan aims to integrate reconciliation into the fabric of our daily operations and interactions, reinforcing Grace’s dedication to fostering relationships, respect, and opportunities for Indigenous Australians. By featuring Indigenous artwork in our business, we hope to inspire others to support Indigenous Communities and promote a more inclusive future.
Supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Grace has been a major sponsor of the ILF since 2020. This ongoing partnership plays a crucial role in supporting the foundation’s mission to provide books and literacy resources to remote Indigenous Communities. The collaboration with Robert Young further amplifies this mission by raising public awareness through visible and impactful artwork. Every time the truck hits the road, it serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy and education.
Craig Page, Managing Director of GCW Group, shares his thoughts on this collaboration, “At Grace, we believe education drives positive change. We’re proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, dedicated to enriching Indigenous children’s lives through literacy. Our support goes beyond money, and we hope featuring Indigenous artwork in our business helps foster respect for First Nations’ rich heritage and inspire others to support Indigenous communities and promote a more inclusive future. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time.”
CEO of the ILF Ben Bowen said, “I would like to thank Grace for their ongoing support of the ILF and celebrate the relationship between the organisations highlighted on the Grace truck. Grace’s support is critical to enabling the ILF to sustain access to and create more culturally relevant books for kids in remote Indigenous Communities around Australia. Literacy is a fundamental human right, and every child has the right to develop their literacy in their own language first.”
If you want to learn more about how you can support Indigenous literacy and education, visit the ILF’s website: www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au
