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As Australia’s leading Building Services Specialist, we recognise our role in leading the conversation and affecting the necessary change in the area of reconciliation.
A.G. Coombs continues to listen and learn and work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to identify partnerships and community engagement opportunities. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the company’s commitment to implementing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. In line with this plan, A.G. Coombs welcomes the newest member of its extended family – a person who needs little introduction and whose values and ideals closely align with those of the company.
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A Richmond Football Club record holder for most games by any Indigenous player and three-time premiership player, Shane Edwards is the inaugural Cultural Ambassador for A.G. Coombs.
Even if you are not an AFL fan, chances are you have heard about Shane Edwards. One of the most respected players in the competition and widely recognised for his leadership with Indigenous players and culture, Shane retired from the AFL in 2022 after 303 games over 16 seasons, including playing in three premierships and being selected for the All-Australian team.
Shane Edwards appointed Cultural Ambassador for A.G. Coombs
As a major partner of Richmond’s Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), A.G. Coombs has enjoyed a close working relationship with Shane and in choosing Shane as its first cultural ambassador, it looked far beyond his achievements on the field.
A proud Arrente man on his maternal grandmother’s side, Shane has been a strong supporter in the growth and development of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, which creates pathways to greater opportunity in education for Indigenous students from remote Top End and regional
Victorian communities.
Shane Edwards spending time with students at the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS).
The school runs programs that harness the power of sport to create safe spaces for young people to work, study and live – empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to speak and be heard.
Recently A.G. Coombs had the opportunity to witness firsthand the inspiring work Shane does for community with a visit to MITS to talk with the students. Since retiring from football, Shane has returned to South Australia where he is working with the Adelaide Crows, scouting, recruiting and mentoring young Indigenous football players.
Helping others on their learning journey to better understand First
Nations culture
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador for a company like A.G. Coombs,” said Shane.
“My time at the Richmond Football Club gave me the chance to see the way A.G. Coombs lends its support to various causes, especially those that resonate so strongly with me. I see this as a way I can give back and help others along their learning journey when it comes to a better understanding of First Nations culture,” he added.
Shane Edwards, A.G. Coombs Cultural Ambassador and Russell Telford, A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director; with apprentice Mechanical Plumber, Rainbow Ebert and apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic, Ezra Miller.
“We are delighted that Shane is stepping into this position that we developed for him,” said A.G. Coombs Managing Director, Russell Telford.
“As a role model and passionate leader, he is the perfect person to help us further explore First Nations culture and work towards our national Reconciliation Action Plan. I know he will represent the A.G. Coombs name
with pride,” he added.
A.G. Coombs is a specialist provider of technical, advisory and facility management services for all systems in a building. For more information about A.G. Coombs and our Reconciliation Action Plan journey, please visit www.agcoombs.com.au/who-we-are/reconciliation-action-plan
