Hi all it’s me again… I didn’t want to leave it too long between blogs as I have some exciting news to share about what’s been happening here at Telstra.

I am pleased to share that Telstra was invited to take part in the 2012 NSW Origin Legends Indigenous Jobs Markets in Redfern on the 24 July and Mount Druitt on 21 August.

This is one of the first opportunities we’ve had to really connect directly with the mob and share what a career at Telstra can be about.   It was a great opportunity for the 1500 students and job seekers to network and meet with various exhibitors and organisations who were present such as NSW Police, major banks, Woolworths, Virgin, Qantas and various community organisations, just to name a few.

Students and jobseekers were also able to meet their NSW Origin stars too, which was a great highlight of the events!

It was such a special moment for me and my Telstra colleagues to personally reach out and connect with our Indigenous community in Sydney. There were so many young Indigenous people that attended the jobs fairs not knowing what their career aspirations were, so it was very rewarding to be able to chat with them face to face about some of the opportunities that Telstra has to offer like school-based Traineeships, full time Traineeships, Cadetships, a Graduate program and general recruitment into the organisation. It was amazing to see the twinkle in young people’s eyes when they found out the real opportunities that an organisation like Telstra has to offer, as the general knowledge and understanding of Telstra amongst the young Indigenous population is generally about their pre-paid credit and phones.

I was very lucky to be accompanied by Suzie Nand from the Telstra Careers Centre and fellow Telstra Indigenous employees Stewart Heywood from Telstra Business and Christine Koote from our Emergency Services team. The four of us were moved by the engagement, interest and positive reception from the Indigenous community about wanting to come and work at Telstra. It was very important that Indigenous job seekers and students hear directly from our own Indigenous employees so they could share their experiences and career aspirations in the organisation as these are true testimonials of how great of a place Telstra is to work. It was also an honour for me personally to represent Telstra as a proud Indigenous employee.  My own story of coming from a small not-for-profit organisation to one of Australia’s biggest companies makes me really proud, and I hope it will make a pathway for others.

I am also excited to share that Telstra has sponsored the Murri Rugby League Carnival in Ipswich from 27 – 30 September 2012. The carnival attracts 30,000 – 40,000 Indigenous people from all over Queensland. We will be holding a stall during the carnival to promote Indigenous employment at Telstra, with Careers Centre representatives as well as fellow Brisbane Indigenous employees to assist on the day. This is going to be a great way to connect personally with the community and explore opportunities for the mob in Queensland.

Before I go I would just like to add that I commenced my current role at Telstra on a 12 month contract last September and Telstra has just recently offered me an ongoing role which I am absolutely stoked about. I have learnt so much about the business over the past 12 months and I have become very fond and passionate about my role here. I am pleased and excited to say that I will continue to strive ahead to represent my culture, community, family and Telstra proudly.

Until next time, take care and stay safe.

Related links:

• Careers at Telstra

• Diversity & Inclusion at Telstra

• Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2011-14