The exceptional Student Support team from The Australian National University (ANU) College of Business and Economics (CBE) has received the 2024 ACT NAIDOC Award for Non-Indigenous Organisation's Contribution to the Indigenous Community.
The Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation recognised the CBE Student Support team for their work in delivering the ANU Management Program for Indigenous public servants since 2021.
Leading to a Graduate Certificate in Management, the program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees of the Australian Public Service (APS) with a foundation of knowledge, skills and applications across management disciplines within an evidence-based management framework and helps build capability for a long-term APS career.
Carlyn Waters, Program Mentor, acknowledges the hard work and dedication of participating students.
“The students on this program are working full time, balancing family responsibilities and community obligations, and have decided to study. This isn’t easy, and is a huge commitment by these individuals. They are making sacrifices to ensure future capability in the APS, not to mention the difference they’re making in their workplaces,” says Carlyn.
Participants in the program receive outstanding academic and mentoring support from the course convenors, professional team, and other senior leaders of the program. The team was commended for their commitment to advancing Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, and their invaluable support in assisting the program participants to achieve success in their study, work and personal lives.
“When a student is struggling or falling behind, the team snap into action to provide wrap-around support to ensure they can meet the requirements to successfully pass each module. This includes intensive, flexible and free tutoring, mentoring, one-on-one meetings, and coffee or lunches, to build rapport, trust, and inspire students to success,” says Kartika Medcraft-Smith, a program alumna from the Department of Social Services.
“Success in this program has had direct impact to improved career pathways for First Nations students, with many students crediting the program and in particular the support team as the foundation for career advancements and opportunities in the workplace,” Kartika shares.
The program has an impressive 84% completion rate and 100% recommendation rate. A total of 64 participants have graduated from four intakes of the ANU Management Program since 2021. A further 16 participants are undertaking the program in 2024.
"I am incredibly proud of the Graduate Certificate in Management program and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. This program is about up-skilling our Torres Strait and Aboriginal public-service workforce, ensuring they can compete in the workplace and secure jobs based on their skills and merit. It provides a solid foundation for career advancement, helping our Indigenous workforce achieve their highest aspirations within the public service sector – that excites me!" says Ben Mitchell, Program Director.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs. Click here for more.