Aurizon joined a push to boost sustainable employment for Indigenous Australians by signing the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC) in July 2011. Since the signing of the AEC, Aurizon has been working with local communities to further Indigenous employment.
A variety of employment strategies including site visits, school talks, Indigenous careers fairs and work experience have been used to attract young Indigenous men and women to join Aurizon.
Laurie Anno and Steve Renouf have featured in this video.
Laurie Anno has been with Aurizon for over 25 years and currently works as the Shift Roster Officer at the National Operations Service Centre (NOSC) in Rockhampton. His role involves entering coal tonnage data, coordinating train crews and he is responsible for maintaining train driver rosters to make sure they are not fatigued for safety reasons.
Laurie played Touch Football for Australia.
Laurie and his wife Julie have championed a school homework program for students from Indigenous background at the Frenchville State School in Rockhampton. Aurizon supported this program by providing stationary supplies.
Steve Renouf joined Aurizon in 2010 as Manager Indigenous Programs. As part of this role, Steve works closely with communities across the country to recruit more Indigenous employees into training and employment opportunities with the company.
Steve Renouf has been a household name on the sporting field as a professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He has been named in Australia's Indigenous team of the century (1908–2007).