Yarns with Amy

Tell us about you and your mob?

Nunga! I am Amy, a proud Arabana & Ngarrindjeri woman. I was born and raised in a town called Port Augusta which is home to many Indigenous people across South Australia.

Tell us about your career?

I commenced my career working for Services Australia. I enjoyed my time working helping mob navigate the government systems and travelling across the country supporting other teams. I currently work in the mining industry and have done for the past 15 years. I have gained extensive experience and knowledge working across various departments and roles in mining including; geology, underground, operations, communications, events coordination and many others.

What pathway did you take?

Honestly it feels like the long pathway…. but in saying that everyone starts somewhere we all don’t start as the CEO unfortunately. For me it was entry-level administration, now I am happily in a role that has more meaningful engagement and people based which I am enjoying.

What skills do you need to succeed in your role?

We are natural story tellers, it’s how we connect with people. Use that to your advantage, listen to feedback positive and negative. Bring your life skills to any role and be open to opportunities for role advancements.

What is the deadliest thing about your career?

The best thing about my role is that I get to work with young people to create pathways in the resourcing sector. I didn’t finish school and now I get to see the change and opportunities that weren’t available to me. It makes me feel proud that I am making a difference to young Indigenous students ready for professional careers and life-long skills. But seriously no day for me is the same. I could be working with our Traditional Owners, spending time on country, on the mine site hosting visitors or at the local gymkhana supporting our pastoralists and community.

What career advice would you give your mob?

I always say to the kids at school do you prefer being outside or indoors? Find a career that you will like and work towards that. I am passionate about the younger generation finishing school and going on to further study or picking up a trade. Further education can open so many pathways that you don’t understand when you’re young and at school. So please don’t be like me, finish school!