Learning about Country and culture together
As SCS Indigenous (SCSi) grows, its Directors and Co-Founders, Scott McCartney and Nicholas Pastras, who is also Managing Director of SCS Group, want cultural respect to be reflected in how the business operates. For the executive and senior management team, that includes making time to listen to First Peoples perspectives and strengthen their understanding of Country, history and living cultures.
At Scott’s invitation, members of the team recently joined a Koorie Heritage Trust guided walk through central Melbourne. The experience provided an opportunity to step away from daily operations and consider familiar places through a different lens.
Taking time to listen
The walk began at Federation Square before continuing along Birrarung (the Yarra River). Through stories about Country and discussion of public artworks and cultural objects, the team explored the diversity of Aboriginal peoples, communication between groups and the knowledge behind traditional tools.
It also encouraged questions about governance, responsibilities and relationships. Back at the Trust, the group continued the discussion while looking more closely at cultural objects and the AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia.
For Scott, watching the team engage was a highlight. In his reflections afterwards, he described enjoying seeing colleagues listen, ask questions and get involved.
What the team took away
Ken Tsirigotis, National Partnerships Manager at SCS Group, has supported the establishment and growth of SCSi and found the visit particularly relevant. He felt it reinforced the importance of cultural understanding in creating genuine relationships and meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities.
“It certainly gave me a different perspective on a familiar part of Melbourne and I wished it went for at least half an hour longer,” Ken said.
Nilanka Dharmasena, National Human Resources Manager at SCS Group, was particularly interested in the governance systems discussed during the tour. Drawing on a Sri Lankan background, Nilanka also noticed similarities in some traditional tools and cultural practices, prompting reflection on different cultures and their connections to land.
Tony Phan, Chief Financial Officer at SCS Group, highlighted the diversity of Aboriginal nations and the explanations behind different communication methods and tool designs. He came away with a stronger curiosity to continue learning.
Building on the experience
For Scott and Nicholas, the purpose is to help leaders make better informed decisions and build respectful relationships as SCSi develops. The visit is one part of an ongoing learning process, with further cultural immersion opportunities being explored.
The team’s interest also provides a starting point for considering how greater cultural understanding can inform future opportunities through the Bandum Fund. Specific initiatives will be developed and communicated separately as they are agreed.
