wayne-davis-standing-in-front-of-indigenous-artwork-wall

Wayne Davis – Champion for Connection, Culture, and Change

Published on Jul. 04, 2025
7 min

Wayne Davis, our Indigenous Mentor and Community Liaison Officer, has been with Sodexo Australia for just five months. Yet his profound impact is already shaping a more inclusive workplace where our Indigenous employees can thrive and belong.

This isn’t a tale about climbing the corporate ladder – it’s a journey of identity, resilience, and paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous leaders and professionals. It’s the story of a mother, removed from her family as a child. It’s the story of a son, unaware of his own heritage. The legacy he carries in his blood, despite not knowing his past, chose to shape his own future.

Finding Identity and Purpose

Wayne’s life has been a quest to reconnect with his cultural roots. Born in Darwin, his early years were marked by challenges of the Stolen Generations, with his mother taken from her family at the age of three.

“To truly know who you are, you need to know where you’re from,” Wayne reflects. “I grew up feeling I belonged somewhere but didn’t know where. That sparked my lifelong learning and desire to find my cultural roots.”

His determination and self-education led him to Kaytej country, about 200km northeast of Alice Springs, where he embraced his identity as an Elder and descendant of the "Ahterepe", a desert-dwelling community of around 3,000 people. Shape

“Sodexo has provided me with something I’ve rarely experienced in my career – a true sense of belonging and purpose,” says Wayne. “It’s a workplace that values my skills and cultural knowledge, and that’s what sets it apart.”

The Road to Sodexo

"You’re not going to keep me from what I want to learn." Wayne’s career has been defined by adaptability, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to lifting others. From working as a park ranger in Kakadu National Park to thriving as an artist and mentor, each role has shaped his vision and reinforced his mission to give back.

At Sodexo, Wayne’s focus is crystal clear – to create a workplace where Indigenous employees feel safe, supported, while bridging cross-cultural understanding.

His day-to-day responsibilities include mentoring Indigenous employees, bridging cross-cultural understanding, and engaging with Indigenous groups and corporations to foster deeper connections with Sodexo. Wayne also provides guidance to non-Indigenous village managers and team supervisors, helping them better support their Indigenous team members.

What does Wayne enjoy most about Sodexo? “The people I’ve met and the respect I’ve been shown. Sodexo is a company that allows me to be myself and carry forward my vision for change. Here, I never feel held back or underutilised.”

Making a Difference

Wayne’s work goes beyond mentoring. One significant initiative he’s involved in is gathering and addressing feedback from Indigenous employees to improve workplace inclusion, conditions, and career growth through Sodexo’s Indigenous Mentoring and Career Development program.

By building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees, he empowers both groups to work collaboratively. “It’s about education and awareness,” he notes. “If managers and colleagues understand the cultural context of trauma and history, they’re better equipped to support our Indigenous team members.”

To this day, Wayne continues to pursue his passion as an artist, adding creativity and depth to his multifaceted career.

A Vision for the Next Generation

Wayne has high hopes for the next generation of Indigenous professionals. He sees a gradual climb of young Indigenous people pursuing higher education, gaining qualifications, and stepping confidently into meaningful careers. “For Indigenous youth to thrive, there needs to be clear pathways guiding them from education to professional success.” Wayne is passionate about helping them find those pathways and supporting their journey from entry-level roles to leadership positions.

He believes mentorship and exposure to professional environments are key to creating those pathways. “We need to bring young people into spaces where they can see possibilities. It’s about turning the spark into a flame.”

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, deeply resonates with Wayne. For him, it highlights the importance of paving the way for young Indigenous leaders while honouring the legacies of past generations who fought for rights and recognition.

“The Elders didn't live for nothing. They planted seeds for us; it’s up to us to grow the trees,” he reflects. “Everything we do now shapes the world for the next generation. Our strength lies in learning from our past, our vision ensures progress, and our legacy is what we leave behind.”

A Final Word

Wayne Davis is a symbol of strength, knowledge, and change. His contributions are a testament to Sodexo’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for Indigenous employees and communities.

If you’re seeking a welcoming workplace and exploring opportunities with Sodexo, Wayne has this advice for you:

“It’s a place to belong, learn, and grow. Whether you want to start your career in the Energy and Resources industry or become a leader, there’s a place for you here. Sodexo opens doors that others might not, and it’s a company that supports your vision.”

Through individuals like Wayne, Sodexo continues to create an environment that values diversity, uplifts communities, and celebrates culture. We’re proud to have you as part of our team, Wayne!