Thanks to the support and leadership of Muru Office Supplies, The BUSY School is proud to launch the R.E.S.P.E.C.T Program, piloting from the Cairns Campus in Term 4 this year.
Muru, which means ‘pathway’ in the language of the coastal Sydney region (where the company began), is dedicated to creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, employing over 80 per cent First Nations people for their office supply team.
This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment, particularly for First Nations and minority students as they re-engage with education and build positive futures at The BUSY School.
At its core, the R.E.S.P.E.C.T initiative has seven essential values: Resilience, Equality, Social responsibility, Personal awareness, Engagement, Cultural awareness, and the celebration of Traditions. These values will be integrated into the Year 11 and Year 12 curriculum, promoting respect and cultural understanding.
Mitchell Ross, CEO of Muru Office Supplies and a proud Bidjigal man from La Perouse in southeast Sydney, is a key collaborator in the program’s development.
“As an Aboriginal business leader, I believe in the power of education to transform lives. Programs like R.E.S.P.E.C.T are not just about academic success; they’re about empowering the next generation. I’m deeply committed to ensuring this program reaches all nine of The BUSY School campuses over the coming years,” said Ross.
The long-term goal is to expand R.E.S.P.E.C.T to all campuses by 2026, providing diverse students the opportunity to thrive in a culturally supportive environment.
Muru Office Supplies contributes to this vision by donating a percentage of all company profits to support Indigenous community programs, focusing on Education, Employment, and Health & Wellbeing.
“We take pride in being a First Nations-led business at Muru Office Supplies, and our growth directly contributes to meaningful change in our community. By supporting our business, you’re helping to create pathways for future generations and empowering individuals to thrive at The BUSY School,” said Ross.
The BUSY School invites businesses to explore and learn more about the difference they can make through educational programs that create real pathways for First Nations communities and young people.
“Community partnerships are essential to advancing our mission of fostering respect and inclusion. We encourage other businesses to support programs like R.E.S.P.E.C.T to help create engagement, training, and career opportunities for more young people,” said Lee Aitken, CEO of The BUSY School.
With Muru Office Supplies’ support, the R.E.S.P.E.C.T Program is setting the stage for transformative education, fostering empowerment and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students but all minority students across The BUSY School campuses.
Find out more about Muru Office Supplies
The staff at Muru Office Supplies who are partnering with The BUSY School Cairns in a pilot program called R.E.S.P.E.C.T