This plan continues our journey towards sustainable social change
Bendigo Bank acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise the deep and continuing connection to land, waterways and communities of the land where we live, learn and work.
We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to the strength, courage and resilience of Elders, past and present who have cared for this land for more than 60,000 years.
Our vision for Reconciliation
Introducing Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. Driven by our purpose to create shared prosperity, we recognise that a prosperous future must be an equitable one for all Australians, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To us, that means championing the economic empowerment of First Nations peoples, building genuine partnerships based on trust and respect, and celebrating the resilience, knowledge, and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as one of our nation's greatest strengths.
By helping to close the economic gaps, we contribute to a stronger, more connected, and truly prosperous Australia for all.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2026-2028 seeks to deliver on:
Strengthening Relationships
Continuing to build and maintain authentic mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, organisations and communities through a formalised engagement strategy and the promotion of reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
Embedding Respect
Increasing understanding and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, and rights through cultural capability uplift and embedding cultural protocols across the organisation.
Creating Opportunities
Improving employment outcomes by developing targeted recruitment, retention and professional development strategies for First Nations talent, and increasing supplier diversity to support economic empowerment of First Nations businesses. Focused on creating tangible opportunities in partnership with First Nations peoples and communities, improve employment outcomes and increase supplier diversity.
Inclusive Banking
Enhancing access to financial services for First Nations customers by reviewing products for barriers and implementing culturally safe service channels.
Bendigo Bank’s Reconciliation Journey
Bendigo Bank has successfully completed our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and we are currently continuing to operate in accordance with its objectives. We are committed to ongoing reconciliation and working towards developing our Innovate RAP to expand our reconciliation efforts and commitments.
Please watch this space for further updates on our reconciliation journey.
Our Reconciliation artwork
A story of connection
The artwork for our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) tells a story of connection, building on the narrative established by the artwork from the first Reflect RAP. The original piece, created by proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist and educator Troy Firebrace, depicted Bendigo Bank as a tree deeply rooted in the lives of its people, customers, and communities.
This new artwork continues the story of connection, reflecting our deepening commitment to the local community. It represents the next chapter in our reconciliation journey, acknowledging the foundation laid by our first RAP and celebrating our continued growth and engagement. The artwork focuses on three interconnected themes:
- Our Workplace – The foundation of our journey, beginning with our people and teams and branching out to the communities we serve.
- The Customer’s Journey – The lifelong path we walk alongside our customers, acting as a constant and supportive companion through every milestone.
- Our Community – The ongoing, deeply rooted connection we have with the wider community, symbolised by the multitude of relationships and partnerships we build together.
Inovate Reconciliation Action Plan launch
The launch of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan was held on Monday 25 May 2026 at 3.30pm at Tarntanya, Adelaide, on the land of the Kaurna people.
Reconciliation in action
Bendigo Bank Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program
Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? The Bendigo Bank Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Scholarship might be for you.
Supporting women and girls across regional and rural Australia
Social investment grants have been donated to organisations dedicated to supporting women and girls in vulnerable situations across regional and rural Australia.
For more information on our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Emily Chapman, Inclusion Specialist and RAP Lead
Email: BelongingatBEN.Mailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Telephone: 1300 236 344 or +61 3 5445 0666 (if calling from overseas)
