How the Wiimali Program is driving Indigenous excellence and shaping the future of inclusion
At ARA the Wiimali Program represents a clear and tangible answer to having meaningful inclusion. The program is a long-term commitment to creating opportunity, supporting growth, and embedding Indigenous excellence into the fabric of the business.
Introduced as part of ARA Group’s Reconciliation Action Plan in 2018, the Wiimali Program was designed to create genuine pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, the program takes a more holistic approach, combining employment opportunities with mentorship, development, and community engagement. This integrated structure ensures that Indigenous employees are not only brought into the organisation but are supported at every stage of their journey.
At its core, the purpose of the Wiimali Program is to provide a framework where Indigenous employees can succeed as recognised and valued contributors to ARA. The program is led by a network of Indigenous engagement managers working across the country, whose role is to guide, support, and empower participants within their careers.
This national leadership presence is critical, as it ensures consistency, cultural understanding, and a strong sense of connection across all ARA Divisions.
Key strengths of the program
A key strength of the Wiimali Program lies in its focus on mentorship and professional development. Employees who take part in the program are given access to guidance, support, and opportunities that enable them to build long-term careers within ARA. This support network helps create an environment where individuals feel confident to grow, take on new challenges, and progress into leadership roles over time.
By investing in people beyond the point of hire, the program shifts the conversation from representation to retention and advancement. Alongside internal development, the program also plays a broader role in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities. By fostering engagement both within and outside the workplace, Wiimali helps build mutual understanding and trust.
This connection extends ARA’s commitment beyond the business itself, reinforcing the idea that meaningful inclusion must involve both organisational change and community partnership.
Watch Jonah’s story to understand the strengths of the Wiimali Program.
The key challenge for the Wiimali program
For Indigenous people to transition from community living to employment in a high-performance environment driven by the clients’ needs can sometimes be a difficult transition. ARA Indigenous Services Leadership team understands this, and the Wiimali program is designed to assist. Our team has vast experience and knowledge of these challenges through their own lived experience, both from a personal and professional standpoint.
The ARA Wiimali Awards
The importance of recognition should not be underestimated. When employees see their achievements valued, it has a direct impact on engagement, confidence, and motivation. The ARA Wiimali Awards help create a sense of pride and belonging, encouraging individuals to continue striving for excellence, while also inspiring others within ARA. In this way, the awards are not only a celebration of success but also a driver of future growth and a powerful reflection of community, culture and shared purpose.
The four award categories are an expression of ARA’s commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and partners who are helping create meaningful, lasting impact.
The future of the program
What began as an initiative within a Reconciliation Action Plan has grown into a powerful example of how businesses can take meaningful action. The Wiimali Program is not simply addressing today’s challenges; it is helping to shape the future of inclusive leadership throughout ARA.