AWM Amaroo - AWM - Australian Workstation Manufacturers

Intro

Amaroo is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘beautiful place’

AWM Amaroo is a joint venture established in 2020 by Dan Manson, a descendant of the Arabana people, and Ant Scotts & Ric Lewarne of AWM. Our vision is to not only transform workplaces into beautiful spaces but also to make a positive impact on the lives of young Aboriginal individuals and local communities.

AWM Amaroo proudly operate in collaboration with AWM, taking full advantage of their well-established manufacturing facility and quality Australian designed and manufactured product lines.

Image: Dan Manson and Troy Dargan, Head of Culture at the KARI Foundation, joined AWM for National Reconciliation Week 2024. The event at AWM Amaroo featured a smoking ceremony and cultural immersion experience.

AWM Amaroo & KARI

AWM Amaroo are proudly partnered with the KARI Foundation.

KARI has been recognised by many as one of the nation’s leading Aboriginal service providers and is Australia’s largest Indigenous not-for-profit organisations. Established in 1999, KARI has supported the Aboriginal community by delivering quality programming and services. KARI employ over 170 people, with 80% of their staff identifying as Aboriginal. They strive to offer a continuum of award-winning services that all begin at general community engagement. Their commitment to providing high quality, sustainable services and programs that benefit their community is unwavering.

Learn more about Kari

AWM Amaroo are proud to support the work of the KARI Foundation, with a portion of our fit-out proceeds going towards funding a range of programs and initiatives over the years.

These programs have included:

Lead with Culture employment initiative
Transition to Kindergarten Backpack Program
Learn to Swim program
KARI Aboriginal Employment Expo

Community Initiatives

Gwonggubunga Vacation Swim Program

AWM Amaroo proudly supported KARI for their Gwonggubunga Vacation Swim Program with assistance from the Royal Lifesaving Society Queensland. Over three enriching days the program empowered young Indigenous children to develop essential swimming skills such as pool, creek and beach swimming. Furthermore, cultural activities were integrated to enhance cultural ties.

Supply Nation

As a registered company with Supply Nation, we place a strong emphasis on working with local suppliers and businesses throughout the entire fit-out process. We take pride in supporting over 120 local Australian businesses and suppliers in the manufacturing of our commercial furniture and joinery. What’s more, when operating in regional areas we prioritise engaging local companies and contractors to directly benefit the local community throughout our projects.

Our Path Forward

Reconciliation at AWM Amaroo

AWM Amaroo are proud to have our ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan accredited with Reconciliation Australia. This has marked the start of our journey towards reconciliation, and our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

We are extremely excited to be embarking on our reconciliation journey, and we look forward to sharing our progress as we work towards our reconciliation objectives and initiatives.

View our Rap here

Our Vision

AWM Amaroo brings together innovative Australian manufacturing and Indigenous culture. Our owner Dan Manson co-founded AWM Amaroo to embrace the heritage of his descendants, South Australia’s Arabana people, and drive his passion for positive Indigenous outcomes within an Australian company that proactively creates and supports opportunity for all.

Image left: AWM Amaroo – HQ entrance mural by artist Jasmine Craciun, a proud Barkindji and Malyangapa woman.

Thanks to KARI Foundation for organising an amazing event! We kicked off NAIDOC Week by joining the KARI Games, deepening our understanding of Indigenous culture and values.

We had an awesome team consisting of the following: Grace Lawrence & Alice Haworth [Wool and Hay], Angela Pearcy & Veronica Poussin [PMG Group], James Hamer [FDC], Liam Sharpe [Humanscale], Anthony Scotts & Daniel Mason [AWM AMAROO Directors]

The KARI Games provided cultural immersion and fun, starting with a welcome to country by Troy Dargan, descendant of the Gumbaynggirr People. Highlights included making a delicious Emu Egg quiche and trying our hand at Aboriginal painting, spear and boomerang throwing, and fire lighting with sticks.

Daniel Manson, our Indigenous Director, emphasises the importance of staying true to our values, reflected in our ongoing partnership with KARI Foundation.

Below Dan Shares with us his reflection on NAIDOC week.

NAIDOC Week holds a special place in my heart as an Aboriginal man. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and empowerment. Growing up, NAIDOC Week was an opportunity for my family and community to come together and celebrate our rich culture, history, and achievements. It was a reminder of our resilience and the strength of our ancestors who fought for our rights and recognition.

For me, NAIDOC Week is not just a week of events and festivities; it is a powerful reminder of our identity and heritage. It is a time to honour our Elders, both past and present, who have paved the way for us. Their wisdom and guidance continue to inspire me in my journey and remind me of the importance of staying connected to our roots.

This week also serves as a platform to educate others about our culture and the challenges we have faced and continue to face. It is an opportunity to share our stories, our art, and our traditions with the broader community, fostering understanding and respect. I take pride in seeing the younger generation embrace their culture and participate in NAIDOC Week activities, knowing that our traditions will be carried forward but also shared with the wider community.

NAIDOC Week also reignites my commitment to advocating for our rights and ensuring that our voices are heard. It reminds me of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice and the importance of standing together as a community. It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done.

In essence, NAIDOC Week is a celebration of who we are as Aboriginal people. It is a time to come together, celebrate our culture, reflect on our journey, and look forward to a future where our heritage is honoured, and our contributions are recognised. It is a week of pride, resilience, and unity, and it fills me with hope and determination for the future.

Our partnership with KARI Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC Week reminds us to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of the land. Understanding this history is vital for reconciliation.

AWM Amaroo operates on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation in Surry Hills, Sydney, and the Cabrogal of the Darug Nation in Fairfield, Western Sydney.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.

We pay our respects to their elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Intro

Amaroo is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘beautiful place’

AWM Amaroo & KARI

AWM Amaroo are proudly partnered with the KARI Foundation.

Community Initiatives