New Committee to expand First Nations career pathways across CDU

A new committee has been established to expand career pathways for First Nations staff at Charles Darwin University (CDU), with a purpose to guide future opportunities across all levels of employment.

The First Nations Workforce Advisory Committee will oversee the development and implementation of the university’s First Nations Workforce Strategy 2022-2025, which directs strategies to recruit, support, and engage First Nations staff members.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership and Engagement, Professor Reuben Bolt said the committee will advise on best practice to enhance the career prospects at CDU for First Nations people.

“I co-chair the Committee with Director of People and Culture, Peta Preo, in an effort to work together to achieve some of our most ambitious First Nations key performance indicators including staff attraction, retention and engagement targets,” Professor Bolt said.

“This is where increasing First Nations staff numbers becomes critical, because it allows us to develop, nurture and sustain an environment that is culturally responsive to the needs of First Nations peoples.

“Bringing together diverse perspectives will also help inform the direction that CDU takes to address employment issues, and staff professional development initiatives”.

The Committee is currently expanding as well, with the opportunity for two new staff members to join and bring a fresh perspective to addressing employment issues for First Nations people at CDU.

CDU Manager First Nations Strategies, Annette Wilson said the opportunity to serve on the committee allows staff to gain experience in a governing role, leadership and advocacy skills, and the chance to build professional networks across various departments.

“We’re looking for one professional and one academic staff member to join us, and help represent all First Nations staff across the campuses,” Ms Wilson said.

The Committee will also recommend culturally appropriate, accessible and welcoming ways to increase First Nations staffing across all positions and levels in the University.

For more information, contact Annette Wilson, First Nations Leadership at Annette.Wilson@cdu.edu.au.