Yarns with Jordy Dwyer

Tell us about you and your mob?

Hi everyone, I’m Jordy Dwyer, the Community and Cultural Education Manager at First Nations Foundation. I’m a proud Wiradjuri man with family ties to Bathurst and Euchareena. I was born in Western Sydney but grew up on country in Manildra, NSW. Now, I’m living and working on the Gold Coast.

I’m an aspiring Rugby League coach, and I’m passionate about making a positive impact both on and off the field.

Tell us about your career?

The majority of my career  has been spent in the Health/Fitness Industry and then Youth mentoring space, I’ve had a pretty varied career. I had a couple of years in the Community Services sector as well. 

I have had some awesome opportunities through my career that I feel very fortunate to experience: a cross cultural trip to the US as a young fulla to University of Wyoming, to have attended Conferences in New Zealand, and have travelled all over Australia to work with our mob. It’s always enriching and very fulfilling to feel like you are making a small difference.

I moved into the Financial Wellbeing space through Covid and was way out of my comfort zone. It has been awesome to be part of the growth of FNF and working with such a great team of people who all are super passionate.

What pathway did you take?

I always knew I wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. That started for me as 16 yr old at Boarding School when I realised helping other boys living away from home helped me get over my own homesickness.

Other than that, it’s just been a willingness to go after opportunities, getting out of my comfort zone and trying to learn from those that are smarter and more experienced than me. 

What skills do you need to succeed in your role?

People Skills and the confidence standing in front of a group of people, Being comfortable with being vulnerable and sharing your story. The ability to listen, and be adaptable.

What is the deadliest thing about your career?
The experiences, the people I work with, and the feeling that we are helping provide a solution to our Community. 

What career advice would you give your mob?

• Be curious, ask questions, don’t let that dirty word ‘’shame’’ hold you back from trying things and learning more.
• Have high expectations of yourself
• Find a mentor who will challenge you and be coachable.