Developing the next generation of resilient and culturally affirmed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders is the foundation of a new partnership between Richmond and Tandem.

Tandem, which manages a large multicultural workforce that operates across Australia, will support Richmond’s centre for Indigenous youth, the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI), as a partner of the Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) Program.

The REAL Program is aimed at developing leadership skills and confidence among 14-to-17-year-olds, each selected for being role models within their school or community.

The program, which launched in 2012 with two phases, evolved this year to include a third phase – specifically for program alumni.

The new partnership will also engage Tandem staff and provide cultural immersion opportunities and experiences.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the partnership would help strengthen the KGI’s broad range of education and talent programs.

“With support from Tandem, our Indigenous programming will continue to grow and most importantly help develop the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders,” Gale said.

“The highly-successful REAL Program has already benefited over 800 participants since it began six years ago.

“The Club looks forward to working with Tandem to strengthen the REAL Program and the KGI’s extensive suite of male and female Indigenous programs.”

KGI program coordinator Tahlia Biggs, a REAL Program graduate, recently won the Ricci Marks award – which recognises individual achievements and aspirations of young (16-25 years) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in training, education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership.

Tandem is a leading and fast-moving workforce design and delivery company. The business was founded in 2010 with the objective of establishing a better, more productive service delivery model for companies to engage their own or a managed subcontractor workforce to deliver last mile services.

Tandem CEO Jonathan Field said involvement in the REAL Program was a tangible way to support the development of the next generation of exceptional individuals.

“We are very proud to announce this unique partnership with the Richmond Football Club and the KGI, which demonstrates Tandem’s commitment to engaging with the Indigenous communities in which we operate and to gather a deeper understanding of their culture,” Field said.

“Both organisations will share resources, knowledge and experiences to provide support and career opportunities for young Indigenous Australians as well as give Tandem employees the chance to learn and make a difference.”

To find out more about Tandem, click here.