Businesses are being urged to back a thirst-quenching and hunger-busting initiative to support Indigenous entrepreneurship.
By agreeing to host fundraising vending machines, organisations are helping businesses set up by First Australians to flourish.
The distinctive machines, covered in striking Indigenous artwork, are free to hosts who have workplaces — offices or constructions sites — with high traffic areas.
Companies including Ai Group members Coates, Laing O’Rourke and UGL are among those who have already signed up to FACCI (First Australians Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Vending, which supports businesses ranging from professional services and construction to retail and hospitality.
FACCI Chairperson Deb Barwick said the program was unique and an easy way for host companies to make a difference.
“FACCI Vending was set up to support any Aboriginal entrepreneur or existing Aboriginal business that needs assistance to grow,” Ms Barwick said.
“We provide culturally appropriate support and work with these businesses to become competitive suppliers in the marketplace while understanding some of the barriers they may face.
“This is an effortless way for host organisations to help. All they have to do is provide the space, and employees use the machine. It’s a no-cost way of contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of Indigenous communities.”
There are currently 109 FACCI Vending machines satisfying the hunger and thirst of workers within 21 companies around Australia.
Last year, the program generated more than $118,000, which is used for services such as mentoring, training and networking.
“All our mentors come from Indigenous backgrounds,” Ms Barwick said.
“A lot of the entrepreneurs are first-generation business owners who don’t have easy access to finance to grow their businesses.
“The work we do is very grassroots and is not funded elsewhere. It’s an important part of ensuring that First Australians have access to quality business support programs so they can compete for work in the marketplace like everyone else. That’s why this is a valuable program. It fills that gap.”
FACCI Vending was established by the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) in 2018 in collaboration with Coca-Cola Amatil, now Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Ai Group has been a keen supporter of the scheme from the start.
“This is a unique occasion where Ai Group will use its membership reach to support another membership organisation,” Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said.
"We were attracted to the program because it assists Ai Group members to make their contribution to supporting FACCI’s work in lifting Indigenous businesses.”
The 'smart' machines have the latest technology so Coca-Cola Europacific Partners know when they need refilling. Hosts have the choice of beverage and snack vending with a range of products to choose from including water, sugar-free, sports and energy.
Hosts also receive a quarterly report detailing the number of sales, commissions generated and programs delivered.
“So, they can easily see the good that comes from being part of this program,” Ms Barwick said.
Ms Barwick said FACCI, a not for profit, was buoyed by the success of the program so far.
“People are really using the machines,” she said.
“They love to see them, to know the funds are going into something worthwhile even though it’s just day-to-day expenditure — getting a drink or a snack.
“The more machines we host, the more income can come in and the more programs we can run.”
Expansion is the goal.
“The program is growing quickly but we’re still relatively young. Imagine the impact of 1000 machines out in the marketplace,” Ms Barwick said.
“It’s an easy way for companies to get involved.”
Jack Fletcher, Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor of construction company Laing O'Rourke Australia, agrees.
Laing O’Rourke hosts three machines on construction sites at Sydney Metro Central Station which it is refurbishing.
“It’s a convenient service if you need a snack,” Mr Fletcher said.
“We also have one for PPE, so if you've forgotten earplugs or glasses, you can purchase some onsite.
“It’s a great service, and if it’s giving back to the Indigenous community, we’re more than happy to do that.”
Fellow host company Coates has four FACCI Vending machines and is looking at rolling out another 25 nationwide over the next few months.
“This will significantly increase our contributions to FACCI, which is wonderful,” said Sheridan Jones, Coates' Group Manager - Corporate Communications & Sustainability.
“It’s an innovative model in terms of how we can directly give back to indigenous communities and businesses. It made perfect sense for us to be doing this.
“Indigenous inclusion is a key part of our sustainability strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan. Wonderful initiatives like this enable Coates to support real change and make a positive impact,” said Ms Jones, pictured with colleagues Elise Manns, Brad Hyem and Kate Carulli.
To find out more, please phone FACCI on 02 4932 7722.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
