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approach to projects.
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One APS secondee
explained: ‘I’m now more tolerant and accepting
of people’s differences in the workplace.’ Another
commented: ‘I realise now how important it is to
be consultative and inclusive in change activities’.
I’ve always been interested in Indigenous
affairs, but my secondment has left me
even more passionate and motivated
to utilise the skills and experience
I have to contribute in this space.
STEPH STOKES,
NAB, WEST KIMBERLEY 2014
Jawun experiences commonly inspired or unlocked
a desire to
take action
and continue to
contribute
to Indigenous affairs
. In the 2014 Jawun Alumni
Survey, 83% of respondents reported that their
Jawun secondment was a key motivator for more
active involvement in Indigenous affairs. Secondees
identified several areas of contribution post-
secondment, including volunteer work, formal
or informal advocacy on Indigenous issues,
and advising or serving on Indigenous boards
(see Figure 9).
Bonnie Carter from the Department of Defence
was inspired to become a
mentor
following her
secondment, and said her Jawun experience
provided a valuable point of connection: ‘I became
a mentor for an Indigenous woman at work, which
was outside of my usual role. I told her about my
Jawun experience and she respected me for that.
Then all of a sudden I had other trainees contacting
me and I’ve ended up becoming a mentor to
a larger group of Indigenous employees.’ Bonnie
said this continued engagement has been common
in her department: ‘A lot of people in Defence
who’ve completed a Jawun secondment have
gone on to support our Indigenous programs—
particularly with the Navy, Army or Air Force reserves.’
In the 2014 Jawun Alumni Survey, one former
secondee commented:
I have now joined the Brothers and Sisters
program for Westpac. This is an Indigenous
employee action group which celebrates
Indigenous culture and helps Indigenous
employees connect with each other. Through
this, I promote Indigenous awareness throughout
the business and also provide mentoring to
young Indigenous employees.
From left: Carolina De La Piedra (Qantas secondee), Sarah Henderson (ATO secondee), Tim McGreen (Hope Vale Traditional Elder), Donagh
Warner (Westpac secondee), Glenn Weston (Jawun Regional Director, Cape York) and Vit Koci (Program Manager, Indigenous Community
Partnerships, Westpac), Cape York, 2015.
Photo: David Rennie
A GROWING RIPPLE EFFECT 51