Six 42-pallet CEVA Logistics B-doubles have hit the road, sporting new artwork by Indigenous artist Melissa Bell.
With the B-doubles running long haul routes up and down the east coast as well as on southern routes between Victoria and WA, CEVA Logistics says the initiative aims to promote the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The artwork is titled “Two long-neck turtles protecting their home”. Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Melissa Bell says the design of the artwork took inspiration from her background, her totem and her country.
“Making art makes me feel connected to my land. To be an Aboriginal female artist and put down a beautiful picture from my Country, express my Country to other people is amazing,” Bell said.
Like many of Bell’s other works, the artwork she completed for CEVA features the long-necked turtle.
“I like to paint water. I grew up around the Murray and it inspires me a lot. I love doing my turtles – the Yorta Yorta turtle, my totem. Art has always been a part of me.”
According to CEVA, the artwork was commissioned as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
Its RAP is centred on education, inclusion, employment and economic empowerment.
While formal education has played an important part of CEVA’s RAP so far, the company says the new trailer design adds another dynamic and artistic aspect to the company’s actions.
“The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a framework that provides Australian organisations with a structured approach to reconciliation with the Indigenous Community,” said Katherine Ivosevic, CEVA Logistics vice president of HR and QHSE for Australia and New Zealand.
“The RAP framework is split into four phases, the Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. Each tier has a series of objectives that the organisation sets out to complete within the designated time. CEVA ANZ has completed the first RAP Reflect phase and is currently developing the proposal for the RAP Innovate phase.
“The RAP Working Group at CEVA meet quarterly to discuss the implementation of reconciliation strategies and initiatives at CEVA. The Reconciliation Action Plan exists to help our organisation strengthen and develop our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to promote reconciliation and engage our staff and stakeholders.
“It’s so important that we celebrate the unique cultures that are represented in this part of the world and, furthermore, that we welcome and include all. Our CEVA team across Australia is proud of the work already delivered and motivated to continue the journey.”
As part of CEVA’s RAP, the company says it encourages participation in its Cultural Awareness Training, which is made available to all employees.
Ivosevic says CEVA has also recently secured a Supply Nation Membership, to assist its procurement team connect with thousands of verified Indigenous owned businesses.
“CEVA ANZ is proud of the work we do to promote and embrace the diversity of our organisation,” she added.