A new cohort of Aboriginal Pastoral Academy participants are preparing to enter the pastoral workforce, thanks to a collaboration between Aboriginal organisations, the northern pastoral sector and the WA Government.
Eight young participants have graduated from the Academy’s Entry Pre-employment Program and will commence work as station hands in the northern pastoral industry.
The program included industry training and personal development, delivered by HGH Contractors and Bina-waji Nyurra-nga Aboriginal Corporation at Burks Park and Mistake Creek Station.
Building on the work of local Aboriginal organisations, the Academy is helping grow career pathways for Aboriginal young people across the State’s north.
“Congratulations to these young graduates who are about to embark on careers in Western Australia’s pastoral industry,” said Regional Development and Kimberley Minister, Stephen Dawson.
The Academy is a partnership between Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Job Pathways, and the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Graduates from the pre-employment programs and their workplaces are assisted for the first two years of employment.
“The Academy provides an excellent foundation for supporting careers and pastoral industry leaders into the future – bringing together Aboriginal organisations, station owners and industry bodies in our State’s north,” said Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis.
“I welcome these latest entrants of the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy to this dynamic and important industry.”
The Academy has funding support through the Future Drought Fund Farm Business Resilience Program and National Indigenous Australians Agency.
