The McGowan Government is supporting the expansion of the pioneering Aboriginal Pastoral Academy program to attract the local community to aspire towards careers in the northern pastoral industry.
The Aboriginal Pastoral Academy is working with industry and Indigenous organisations to nurture the next generation of job-ready Aboriginal pastoral employees in the Kimberley and Pilbara.
A new partnership between Nyamba Buru Yawuru, the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA), industry and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has formed to take the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy to the next level.
A Pastoral Workforce Development Committee will guide the partnership in its endeavours to create jobs and satisfy industry workforce requirements.
A State funded coordinator, based with the KPCA, will work with the committee to drive opportunities for trainees at the Pastoral Academy and develop supported career pathways for young Aboriginal adults in the pastoral industry.
The initiative will engage station owners with training providers and school-based programs, and create links between a range of quality training opportunities, refresher courses, mentoring and workplace placements.
Initially, the Pastoral Academy will collaborate with Nyamba Buru Yawuru's successful 'Warrmijala Murrgurlayi Rise up To Work Program' to strengthen links between the pre-employment and vocational training program and industry to create new employment opportunities.
The Aboriginal Pastoral Academy is one of a range of State Government initiatives supporting Aboriginal employment in the primary industries, including the successful Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Camps.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We are working hard to progress the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy as a partnership, with industry and community working together to build careers for young Aboriginal people in the pastoral industry, as well as a reliable, skilled local workforce.
"A lot has been learnt from the pilot project. We are now moving forward by harnessing the programs, networks and opportunities available to deliver a solid training and workforce development initiative, tailored to support participants and satisfy industry requirements.
"We are 100 per cent committed to staking a stronger role for young local people in the pastoral sector in the Kimberley and Pilbara."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This is important work which is providing opportunities for the next generation of job-ready Aboriginal pastoral employees.
"I welcome this announcement from the Minister and look forward to the rollout of the expansion of the program."
