I graduated from the University Of Western Australia majoring in English and Aboriginal History – Bachelor of Arts in 2000. I am descendant from the Yindjibarndi on my grandmother’s side – Millstream WA and Yamatji on my grandfather’s side – Geraldton WA.
I studied English and Aboriginal History because I was very interested in becoming a high school teacher. In my first year of a Bachelor of Arts I applied and won a cadetship with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Being a Cadet was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget because it helped me to gain the confidence, experience and knowledge I needed to become ready for full time employment. Also, I formed life long friendships with wonderful people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
After university I spent almost thirteen years with Customs and in July this year, I decided I needed a career change and won a position as a Community Development Officer with Horizon Power in Bentley. I have only been in my role for just over thirteen months and already I have formed wonderful friendships with my colleagues and I have travelled to a few remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley region of WA. My role involves preparing and providing customer education and engagement information, travelling to remote areas and meeting with community members and stakeholders to build strong relationships, gain positive buy-in and promote understanding of upcoming and current projects that Horizon Power is involved in.
Working with Aboriginal communities is something that I have always wanted to do as I have learnt so much more about whom I am as an Aboriginal woman and the most rewarding part of all is that I am able to give back to my community. I am still wanting to learn more each day and I hope to do some further study in the future so that I am able to take on a Management role at some stage.