Accor has won the Business Inclusion Award at the Migration and Settlement Awards ceremony held last night at the Great Hall of Parliament House for its self-initiated program to recruit and train close to 100 refugees over a six month period.
The Awards recognise the successful work of organisations and individuals assisting new migrants and refugees to settle, participate and feel part of the local community. The Business Inclusion Award honours a business that has successfully delivered a community-orientated program aimed at improving the inclusion of migrants within the Australian workforce. Accor is the first multi-national organisation to be recognised at these awards.
“It is a great honour to receive this award that recognises the great role migrants play in supporting the customer experience in the tourism industry,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath (pictured).
“Accor is committed to cultural inclusion and creating programs that encourage diversity. We are proud to have many nationalities represented throughout our network of hotels and will work to increase this by expanding the program in the future.
“We commend the Department of Employment for their support and cooperation which was a major contributor to the success of the program.”
In partnership with AMES Victoria and Salvation Army Job Network Sydney, Accor designed and developed a tailor made Job Ready Program for migrants living in Melbourne and Sydney. Accor completed ten training workshops spread over five days providing extensive professional and life skills aimed at supporting the participants securing employment. In total 96 participants completed the workshops in 2013 with over 70 candidates successfully employed across a range of hotel operations.
The winners were announced at a Gala Dinner, held in the Great Hall of Parliament House attended by the Prime Minister of Australia The Honourable Tony Abbott MP, the Leader of the Opposition The Honourable Bill Shorten MP and key note speaker Li Cunxin, artistic director at Queensland Ballet.
The finalists were selected by an independent judging panel which included Dr Hass Dellal, Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, Jane Kennedy, Naomi Milgrom and Andrew O’Keefe.