Nurturing Indigenous Connections in Australia
In conversation with Audrey Capy, Digital Healthcare Lead, Sanofi Australia.
Beyond her pivotal role in driving digital healthcare in Sanofi Australia, Audrey Capy invests her energy in forging connections that transcend boundaries. Her journey from France to Australia and her enriching experiences with IndigiGrow, an Aboriginal social enterprise, epitomize the power of mutual learning and giving. Join us as Audrey shares her story.
What does volunteering mean to you?
At age 20, I had my first volunteering experience supporting an orphanage in Peru. At the time, my mindset was “help those kids, they need me.” What I didn’t expect were the benefits I would experience. From that moment, I understood that volunteering is about giving, connection, and doing good—but also receiving, learning, and growing.
Can you tell us about your recent work with IndigiGrow?
IndigiGrow is a beacon of hope, not just for the native flora and fauna of Australia, but for the rich Aboriginal culture. Through their endeavors, they foster cultural awareness, connection to the land, and equip young Aboriginals with invaluable skills.
During our volunteer day, we received a warm welcome from Founder Mike Cooley and his team introduced us to their rich 60,000-year-old culture and the profound significance of conserving Australia's native ecosystem. The experience was symbiotic; while I contributed by partaking in garden bed preparations and potting young plants, I also heard tales of Aboriginal culture, tasted native bush food, and understood the importance of native plants to the ecosystem. For example, there are 24,000 species of native plants in Australia which all have a role in helping our native bees, and providing food and shelter for koalas, birds, lizards, frogs, and more. Sadly, almost 10% of those plants are listed are threatened and endangered. So it really felt like our work made a difference.
Choose a cause that resonates with you. You don't need to be an expert; the journey itself is enlightening. Every small act creates ripples of change.
Audrey Capy
Digital Healthcare Lead, Sanofi Australia
What are you most proud of?
Stepping outside of my comfort zone to embrace Australia’s indigenous legacy fills me with pride. My balcony now flaunts native plants, a testament to my newfound awareness and appreciation. I’m also proud to have had the opportunity to volunteer with my work colleagues and share this unforgettable experience together. I’m planning to go back to IndigiGrow soon with my partner and daughter so they can discover the beauty as well.
Any insights for Sanofi employees contemplating volunteering?
Choose a cause that resonates with you. You don't need to be an expert; the journey itself is enlightening. Every small act creates ripples of change.
And if time is a concern?
Don’t be scared to allow yourself to find the time to volunteer! I actually booked my volunteer day the night before. I looked at my agenda and realized I had a lighter day, so I spontaneously decided to give back. I’m so glad I did. The Sanofi platform makes the process simple, enabling any Sanofian to make a difference.
The legacy of Audrey’s experience with IndigiGrow isn’t just confined to the propagation of plants, but the growth and blossoming of cultural connections, empathy, and mutual respect through volunteering.
About IndigiGrow
IndigiGrow is a 100% Aboriginal owned, run, and staffed, not-for-profit native plant nursery. IndigiGrow is dedicated to the propagation of native plants, including bush foods and the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, IndigiGrow intertwines cultural preservation with environmental conservation. At its core, IndigiGrow is driven by a mission to pass down cultural knowledge, bolstering Indigenous identity and connection to the land.
Explore more
