What Can We Do As Allies? | Evolve Communities

Carla Rogers is a community engagement specialist, facilitator, and program designer dedicated to Closing the Gap. After a Churchill Fellowship in 2001, she founded Evolve in 2005 and later joined forces with Aunty Munya. Blending Elder wisdom with world-class facilitation, she equips non-Indigenous Australians with the skills to become passionate and effective Allies to First Nations people.

A bus, a festival, and a lesson I didn’t see coming

At the Cobargo Folk Festival, I wrestled my long van into what seemed like the only level patch of ground left in a sea of campers and tents. As I reversed awkwardly, a helpful stranger waved me in with a comment that sparked something unexpected:

“You should park here – this fella’s taking up so much space with his thumping big bus and 4WD.”

In seconds, I spun a whole narrative about him – one that was neither kind nor true.

The reality? He was a kind and generous soul, someone I came to enjoy chatting with over the weekend – a survivor of the 2020 fires, having almost lost everything, including his life. That bus wasn’t indulgence; it was home. Far from selfish, he was a festival volunteer, teaching Tai Chi and giving back to the community.

So why am I telling you this? And what does it have to do with Allyship and Closing the Gap?

A question we often hear from our Allies: Should we be concerned about the growing attacks on Diversity and Inclusion – especially with an upcoming election?

The question stirs a mix of emotions – disbelief, despair, fear, even despondency. Beyond misinformation, there’s also the issue of attention manipulation (or “Attention Hijacking”) where some argue that these debates are designed to consume our focus, distracting us from meaningful action.

So, what can we do as Allies?

We can choose where we place our attention. We can be intentional about fact-checking, seeking out research-backed perspectives, and looking beyond surface-level narratives – because the truth is, credible information exists.

Decades of research, including studies by McKinsey & Company, Harvard Business Review, and Deloitte, have consistently shown that diversity and inclusion fuel workplace productivity, innovation, and financial success.

Diverse teams make better decisions, foster creativity, and improve employee engagement, leading to higher retention and lower turnover. Inclusive workplaces also adapt more effectively to market changes, giving businesses a competitive edge.

Simply put, diversity and inclusion aren’t just ethical imperatives – they’re essential for business success. As Allies, let’s keep our focus where it matters.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson recently reaffirmed her commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating: “We will not be changing our policy because we believe our policy has been good for business and will continue to be good for business. We want to be the employer of choice, and we see diversity and inclusion as a key part of that.”

Back to Cobargo

The 2019–20 fires devastated this town – lives were lost, trauma ran deep, and frustration over delayed official support still lingers. Yet, from what I’ve seen, it’s the people of Cobargo who have led the recovery. They, along with the festival – including my bus neighbour – embodied hope, resilience, Allyship, and the power of diversity and inclusion, placing the Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation at the heart of the festival, both literally and in spirit.

A Final Reflection

My takeaway as an Ally?

I can choose where and how I place my attention.
I can seek out stories of hope.
I can learn from people doing the quiet work of Allyship—because they’re everywhere, if we choose to see them.

What about you?

Did something in this story resonate with you—or challenge you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just hit reply or leave a comment.

Let’s keep this conversation going.