When searching for a new job, do you feel confident that you can fit into any workplace? Or do you spend time exploring a company’s social media, websites, and reports to understand its culture? For many people, especially those from diverse groups such as age, gender, cultural background, and ability, culture is more than just a ‘nice to have.’ It’s essential to determine whether you can comfortably bring your whole self to work. So, how do you find a company that genuinely cares about diversity and inclusion? Job seekers often invest a lot of time researching organisational values. It’s no longer just about seeing a job ad and deciding to apply. Organisations must consistently demonstrate their commitment to diversity and
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My name is Bonnie Dukakis, and my mob is Gunditjmara from Southwest Victoria but I grew up Southeast Victoria on Gunaikurnai Country. I’m the current Executive Officer of the Koorie Youth Council, an Aboriginal youth-led policy and advocacy organisation in Victoria. Tell us about your career? I completed at traineeship in 2014 with Department of Justice and through that was exposed to a lot of different areas and opportunities. I was supported to complete my National accreditation in Mediation to be one of the only mob and only person under 35 at the time as a mediator for a service in Gippsland. From here I had the opportunity to work at a residential facility for Aboriginal men on community-based corrections
This month with our focus on Reconciliation, is the perfect time to highlight the impactful work inspiring journey of Louisa Warren. Louisa’s work showcases her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through excellence and industry. Louisa Warren currently holds the role of Manager of the Office of Indigenous Engagement at CSIRO in Queensland. Her career spans over two decades, focusing on community engagement, strategic policy development, and the management of social and economic development projects. One of Louisa’s notable achievements was her role as a Program Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Here, she was instrumental in developing the Games’ first-ever Reconciliation Action Plan
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a pivotal time in Australia, inviting everyone to engage with our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. Held annually from May 27 to June 3, these dates mark two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, which are foundational to the movement toward justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” is a reminder of our need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation no matter the challenges we face. In moments of national divisiveness or challenge, the worst response is disconnection. The support of
In the face of the post-pandemic landscape, the world of work continues to evolve, especially in terms of where and how people work. Return-to-Office (RTO) and hybrid work models are becoming the norm, affecting job seekers and the nature of employment opportunities. Here’s a deeper look into how these changes are shaping the job market and what strategies job seekers might consider. The Shift to Hybrid and Onsite Roles The shift towards hybrid and onsite roles is significant. Most new job postings now specify a requirement to spend part of the workweek in the office. While fully remote roles still exist, they are increasingly becoming niche offerings designed to attract top talent in highly specialized fields. These roles are often
Job searching can feel like navigating a labyrinth of advice, with roads marked by myths that often lead nowhere. Inspired by Clint Eastwood’s classic 1966 film The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly—we agree that the world of job search advice ranges from the very good to the horribly ugly Here is what you need to know … The Good = Reliable Advice Reliable job search advice typically comes from seasoned professionals—recruiters who’ve been in the trenches or hiring managers well-versed in the nuances of talent acquisition. This advice is rooted in reality, not fear. The Bad = Well-Meaning But Inexperienced Insights This category includes advice from individuals who have some experience in hiring but aren’t yet adept at creating
In the quest for a more sustainable world, the green job sector offers more opportunities especially for Indigenous employees. These roles covering renewable energy, conservation, and eco-tourism offer a pathway to meaningful employment and also align with Indigenous values of environmental stewardship. This article explores the skills and qualifications necessary for Indigenous job seekers to work in more sustainable industries, and a roadmap for those eager to contribute to the planet’s well-being while advancing their careers. The Growing Demand for Green Jobs With a global shift towards sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals in green sectors is skyrocketing. Renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, wildlife conservation programs, and eco-tourism are just a few areas where Indigenous knowledge and expertise are
Prioritising employee well-being has transitioned from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable. Innovative companies are leading the charge, revolutionising wellness programs to support their teams’ physical, mental, and emotional health. This article dives into the cutting-edge approaches these organisations are adopting to foster a culture of well-being, the benefits of such investments, and actionable strategies to enhance wellness initiatives. The Rise of Holistic Wellness Programs Gone are the days when employee well-being programs were limited to annual health screenings and gym memberships. Today’s wellness initiatives embrace a more holistic approach, acknowledging the relationship between physical health, mental well-being, and emotional resilience. Companies are integrating mindfulness practices, financial wellness, flexible working arrangements, and even onsite health services to create a more comprehensive
In the realm of corporate leadership, Laura Berry, former CEO of Supply Nation, stands out for her unique approach to driving change. Berry describes herself as an “introverted leader,” yet her actions and initiatives speak volumes about her ability to push for transformative progress within Australia’s corporate sector, particularly in championing Indigenous businesses and sustainability. Berry’s leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and vision. She believes in understanding the individuals she leads, sharing that effective leadership involves leading from the heart and inspiring people to willingly follow. With her people-first approach, Berry ensures her team feels valued beyond their roles and creates an environment where employees are empowered to excel. Berry’s work has facilitated a significant flow of benefits back
In the constantly changing landscape of corporate sustainability, a growing number of companies are recognising an invaluable resource that has been underutilised for far too long: traditional Indigenous knowledge. This rich resource of understanding, passed down through generations, offers insights that many can learn from into living in harmony with nature. By integrating these teachings into modern business practices, companies can create r a future that is sustainable and profitable At the heart of Indigenous knowledge lies respect for the natural world, viewing it as a network of relationships to be nurtured and protected. This worldview offers important lessons for businesses looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Traditional Indigenous knowledge is sustainable land management, environmental conservation, and agricultural practices that