The Start Your Deadly Career Program

The ‘Start Your Deadly Career’ program is an initiative that celebrates the intersection of cultural identity and career development. Launched by SYC in collaboration with Mob Jobs, this three-week program is designed to empower First Nations participants with the skills, confidence, and cultural connection needed to succeed in the workforce while embracing their heritage.

Built on the principles of strength, culture, and community, the Start Your Deadly Career program offers a holistic approach to employment. Participants engage in workshops that balance cultural reconnection with practical job-ready skills.

Chris, an Employment Activity Coordinator at SYC, explains, “We’ve built this program around the core values of strength, culture, and community.”

The program’s impact is personal for many participants, like Eddie, who moved from the Northern Territory. Reflecting on the experience, Eddie shared, “I was so moved by Uncle Lionel and Sara’s stories. It really helped me reconnect with my culture and gave me the confidence to believe I can succeed too.”

Since completing the program, Eddie has secured a First Nations-identified role with Manningham Council, a significant step forward in his career.  “The tips and tricks they shared about walking between both worlds have been so helpful,” Eddie added. “It’s not just about finding a job—it’s about understanding who you are and where you come from.”

The Start Your Deadly Career program thrives on the leadership and storytelling of Mob Jobs’ directors, Uncle Lionel Dukakis, a proud Gunditjmara man, and Sara Stuart, a strong Kamilaroi woman. Both leaders shared their personal journeys of overcoming challenges and building successful First Nations businesses, offering participants a unique blend of cultural wisdom and professional insight.

Uncle Lionel emphasised the program’s mission, saying, “By focusing on cultural identity alongside the practical aspects of employment, we are providing participants with the tools they need to succeed—while staying true to who they are.”

Sara Stuart added, “The program is about showing participants how their vulnerabilities can lead to growth. Even small changes can make a big difference in shaping their futures.”

The program’s inaugural round saw 11 participants achieve incredible milestones, with six securing employment, two preparing to start jobs, and others exploring further studies or new careers, including in the entertainment industry.

Anita Peric, Recruitment Specialist and Program Facilitator at Mob Jobs, remarked, “Seeing the program’s impact on participants has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about getting people employed; it’s about giving them the confidence to take charge of their future.”

Workforce Australia’s Local Jobs program played a pivotal role in the initiative’s success, with key figures like Brad, an Employment Facilitator, and Rachel, a Support Officer, ensuring the program reached as many participants as possible. Their efforts highlight the power of community collaboration in supporting First Nations job seekers.

The Start Your Deadly Career program stands as an example of how cultural empowerment and professional development can transform lives. By equipping participants with the tools to navigate both cultural and professional worlds, SYC and Mob Jobs are paving the way for long-term success and pride among First Nations communities.

With plans to expand the initiative to new regions, this partnership continues to inspire hope and opportunity. As Uncle Lionel so eloquently put it, “This program is about more than jobs—it’s about identity, resilience, and embracing the strength of where we come from.”

Through programs like Start Your Deadly Career, we honour our leaders, celebrate the achievements of First Nations participants, and create pathways to a future filled with pride and possibility.