“At its core, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people for the benefit of all Australians.” – Reconciliation Australia.
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is committed to fostering a national culture of equality, fairness and shared understanding. In 2024, this commitment is deepened with a focus on strengthening cultural education, promoting inclusive and culturally safe workplaces, and strengthening our connections with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This year we are proud to continue supporting Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program, NRL Cowboys Home and Sistas Stand Strong programs, and forged new partnerships with impactful organizations, including yalari and Kurbaldi.
In this blog, we reflect on CTM’s partnerships in 2024, their impact and our role in driving positive change.
Key actions in 2024
Yalari Scholarship Program
May 2024, CTM and Virgin Australia team up to sponsor Yalariis a not-for-profit organization that provides scholarships to Aboriginal children from regional and remote communities to attend some of Australia’s leading residential schools. Yalari Scholarships provide more than just financial support; they also ensure students have access to a comprehensive support network, including dedicated Student Support Officers, to help with their educational, personal and cultural development.
For Indigenous youth in remote areas, corporate sponsorship opens doors to educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
With an investment of $50,000, CTM and Virgin Australia aim to make a lasting impact on Yalari’s student body, helping further its mission to become one of Australia’s most enduring education and leadership foundations, empowering Aboriginal communities for generations to come. that power.
Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program
The Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program is designed to help adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women pursue and succeed in higher education at Curtin University. Through the program, recipients receive financial and holistic support as well as tailored mentoring experiences during their final year, preparing them to return to their communities as strong leaders and role models.
‘Moorditj Yorga’ means ‘strong woman’ in the Nyungal language of south-western Western Australia and reflects the program’s focus on developing resilience and leadership.
CTM is proud to support the higher education journeys of five outstanding women, including two recent graduates and three women who are actively pursuing their degrees. This year, three of our Yorgas achieved huge milestones in their studies: Tara-Anne Rangi (Bachelor of Education) completed her final semester of internship and Keisha Calyun (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) successfully completed the Rural Clinical Schools project Jobs 2025 Rebecca Davis at Broome Regional Hospital Obtained a Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching and Educational Studies), completing the Certificate course while also undertaking additional units that may contribute to her future Bachelor’s degree.
In addition to these achievements, scholarship recipient Renna Gayde celebrated graduation in early 2024 with a Bachelor of Social Work from Curtin University.
Looking back on her journey, Ms. Gade shared, “I never thought I would go to college, but it has truly been an investment in myself, my children, and my community. As a Walbunja woman from the Yuin Nation, Receiving this scholarship boosted my confidence and confirmed that I was on the right path.”
NRL Cowboys Home and Sistas stand firm
NRL Cowboys House provides residential support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities, enabling them to access secondary education and pursue a brighter future. As a proud ‘Family Partner’, CTM’s support helps create life-changing educational opportunities for young Aboriginal Australians.
As part of our partnership with NRL Cowboys House, CTM has partnered with CBRE to support the ‘Sistas Stand Strong’ programme, a women’s empowerment initiative that aims to inspire and equip young women living at Cowboys House. The program provides mentoring and educational activities designed to build their confidence and prepare them for future success. In 2024, CTM’s contribution enabled 46 girls aged 7 to 12 to attend courses covering leadership, building trust, personal safety, respectful relationships and career preparation. This year, program participants achieved notable milestones including school subject awards, Aboriginal captaincy nominations and employment and tertiary education opportunities.
CTM also partners with the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), which hosts an Indigenous round each season that celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage, encourages inclusive participation, and strengthens connections with Indigenous communities.
To thank this round, CTM has partnered with the WNBL and Townsville Fire Brigade to provide eight Cowboys House students with an unforgettable experience. Students were seated courtside at the Townsville Flames home game against the Adelaide Lightning, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with Townsville Flames players who took time to sign autographs and share stories.
CTM is proud to be making a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2024. Looking ahead, CTM will release new innovative RAPs in 2025, which will guide the next phase of our reconciliation journey and drive further progress and growth.
