The pioneering Aboriginal Pastoral Academy today marked important career milestones for six young participants, who have secured jobs for the 2023 season in the northern pastoral industry.
The Academy was first set up in 2020 by the McGowan Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to nurture the next generation of Aboriginal pastoral employees in the Kimberley.
Industry and community members gathered today to congratulate graduates who have completed both the pre-employment course and the six months of employment on a station, and accepted offers of employment for the next season where they will continue to receive mentoring support and further skills training.
Six participants completed the Rise up to Work employment program in April and the six months' practical experience on north Kimberley cattle stations, Roebuck Plains and Myroodah stations, with ongoing mentoring and support.
The Academy is funded by the McGowan Government and is delivered in partnership with the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA) and Nyamba Buru Yawuru's Warrmijala Murrgurlayi (Rise up to Work) program.
A KPCA co-ordinator position has been created to work with stations, while a mentor role within Nyamba Buru Yawuru will support the partnership between their pastoral training program on Roebuck Plains Station and the Academy.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Given the critical role Aboriginal stockmen played in the development of this industry, it is great to see young people embrace the opportunities to train to take up jobs on the stations.
"Industry needs labour and skills, and local people with strong ties to the region are an important asset. I note there will be Aboriginal-owned stations which will particularly benefit from more local interest in the industry.
"It's been a pleasure to work with NBY and KPCA to deliver the Academy aims. We look forward to expanding the collaboration to additional participants."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Congratulations to the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy graduates we are recognising today - we wish them luck in their new jobs."
