Since 2021, Expedia Group has been part of over 3,000 organizations operating in Australia with a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs support businesses to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation. Expedia Group has been a feature of the Australian travel landscape for over twenty years, with online travel brands such as Wotif, Stayz and Expedia, playing an important role in the local traveler ecosystem. Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia that feels proud to live, work and celebrate alongside the oldest living cultures in the world, and we want to inspire this through travel and a culturally safe workplace.

In celebration of the observance month of our Indigenous Diversity of Expedians and Allies (IDEA) Inclusion Business Group, we spoke with Co-Chair of Expedia Group’s RAP, Dean Coulstock, to find out more about his experience at Expedia Group, his role in the RAP working team, and his passions outside of work.

Dean started at Expedia Group as a Software Development Engineer almost three years ago and has since worked on many exciting projects to build delightful traveler experiences. But more than just a trained Full-Stack Developer, Dean is also passionate about his work on RAP. Currently at the second phase of the plan, Innovate, Expedia Group is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone and collaborating more with other like-minded organizations to develop innovative approaches to advance reconciliation, increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning. 

“My proudest achievement so far would have to be my work on the Reconciliation Action Plan. We recently announced our progression from the first stage, “Reflect,” to the second phase, “Innovate,” which demonstrates our long-term vision for reconciliation here in Australia.” – Dean

Based in the Brisbane office, Dean enjoys being in the heart of the city, and in an office space that fosters collaboration among colleagues. After work hours, Dean is a keen member of the office’s running club and has even been joined on a jog by the Leadership team visiting from the US. 

But running is not the only outdoor activity Dean partakes in. The high-altitude alpinist is on a mission to summit the 14 tallest peaks in the world, all without using supplemental oxygen! *gasp* He has most recently utilized his time off work to embark on a month-long expedition in Peru, where he succeeded in a handful of very technical 6000m mountains to further help refine his skills. 

At Expedia Group, we focus on the whole person so Expedians can learn, grow and thrive. Be it the impactful projects they’re working on, or the passions that they’re pursuing, we’re here to support our Expedians in every step of the journey, as they scale new heights.  

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