Toxfree is a provider of integrated environmental, waste management and industrial services to the gas, oil and mining resource sector. Toxfree has a vast scope of commercial, municipal and industrial customers across Australia. Toxfree aim to “close the gap” between the indigenous and non-indigenous population through two main methods, a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and an Indigenous Traineeship Program.

With assistance from Aboriginal Elders, Toxfree was able to develop a traineeship program that is cultural, safety focused and provides an economic improvement. There is a focus on long term growth with higher incomes, lower reliance on income support, increased home ownership and higher rates of full time and professional employment. Throughout the traineeship program, Toxfree’s Indigenous Engagement Advisor ensures each and every new trainee is felt welcomed into the Toxfree family. The traineeship program also has a mentorship or buddy system that is proving to be the most important tool in supporting new trainees coming into fulltime employment, as for some of them it is their first job as an employee. Each new employee has a buddy who has completed the traineeship program, this enables every trainee to have a greater understanding of Toxfree’s business and what Toxfree would like to achieve in corporate and social responsibility as part of “closing the gap”. The program involves a Certificate III in Community Waste Management and is fully funded by Toxfree.

As part of Toxfree’s Corporate and Social Responsibilities, through their RAP, Toxfree is committed to “closing the gap” for all disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Toxfree hopes that with the support and guidance from Elders within the community, they can help achieve outcomes across a range of strategic areas. These include; education and training, healthier lives, economic participation, better home environments, and safe and supportive communities. With their RAP, Toxfree will continue to develop ways to assist their diverse workforce. The RAP will help to strengthen the innovative initiatives Toxfree already delivers, as well as assist to develop new partnerships, activities and opportunities to advance reconciliation.