Cameron Victor is “shaking a little” as he strums his guitar for customers dining at a resort in far northern Western Australia.
Today he’s on stage, but on any other day you can find him in the kitchen, prepping food and washing dishes.
“The show must go on,” he says.
Cameron was also “pretty nervous” when he re-entered the workforce as a kitchen hand at Lily Lagoon, but his “suck it up and smash it” attitude helped him through.
For the money and for the soul
The men in the maintenance crew share laughs and a love for motors.
One of them,Trason Simon,17,bought an electric scooter with his first pay.
!A youngg man in high-vis cuts grass with a ride-on mower.Prue Jenkins hopes more Indigenous people can gain the skills and confidence to get tourism and hospitality jobs. (ABC Kimberley: Giulia Bertoglio)
Indigenous workers account for 70 per cent of the resort’s staff and many of them are assisted by Job Pathways, which connects jobseekers and employers.
“What we see is a skills gap. Closing that skills gap sits at the heart of this program,” Job Pathways interim chief executive Henrik Loos says.
Lily Lagoon has been federally funded for three years for 17 positions under the remote Jobs and Economic Growth Program (RJED).
The program, which creates 3,000 remote jobs across Australia, replaces the old Community Development Program, which failed to reduce high unemployment.
A large group of men in high-vis, twop on ride-on mowers, with some smiling women in a yard. (ABC Kimberley: Giulia Bertoglio)
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy visiting Lily Lagoon,one of the government’s remote jobs trial sites.
Henrik thinks better mentoring can help keep people in jobs.
“The new program is much more tailored towards the industry-specific needs,” h
indigenous Employment Blossoms at Western Australia’s Cable Beach club, Fostering Community Pride
The Cable Beach Club in western Australia is demonstrating a powerful model for inclusive employment, with a growing number of Indigenous staff finding fulfilling careers within the resort. This initiative isn’t simply about filling positions; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership,pride,and opportunity within the local Kimberley community,and contributing to a significant shift in economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Breaking Down Barriers in Hospitality
Traditionally, the hospitality sector has faced challenges in attracting and retaining Indigenous employees, often due to a lack of targeted recruitment strategies, cultural awareness training, and supportive workplace environments.However, the Cable Beach Club is actively addressing these issues. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that while Indigenous employment rates are rising – reaching 62.3% in February 2024 – they still lag behind the national average of 73.4%. Initiatives like those at Cable Beach Club are crucial in closing this gap.
Sharnte, a front-of-house employee at the resort, embodies this positive change. She expresses a deep sense of accomplishment in her customer-facing role, stating that it’s not just a job, but a source of personal pride. “When other people see a local working in a big place like this, it makes them feel excited and happy,” she explains. This sentiment highlights the ripple effect of Indigenous employment – it serves as visible proof of opportunity and inspires others to pursue similar pathways.
A Vision for Future Generations
Sharnte’s aspirations extend beyond her own success. She envisions a future were more young Indigenous people are represented within the Cable Beach Club, creating a welcoming and culturally resonant atmosphere for both guests and staff. “Future-wise, I hope I see young people like me working here, to make them feel good on country,” she shares.This desire to create a sense of belonging and cultural connection is a key driver behind the resort’s commitment to Indigenous employment. It’s about more than just providing jobs; it’s about reclaiming space and celebrating identity.
The benefits extend beyond individual empowerment. Employing local Indigenous people injects vital economic resources directly into the community. Increased income translates to greater financial stability for families, supporting local businesses, and fostering a stronger, more resilient Kimberley region. This is akin to a rising tide lifting all boats – as local employment grows, so too does the overall prosperity of the area.
From Fear to Flourishing: Personal Journeys of Success
The Cable Beach Club’s approach isn’t limited to front-of-house roles. Cameron, a member of the kitchen team, discovered a passion and a sense of purpose in culinary arts. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing new challenges. “Sometimes our fears just hold us back,” he says. “I say to those people, ‘Just give it a go.You never know until you give it a go.'”
His story is a powerful reminder that opportunity frequently enough lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. The resort’s supportive habitat, coupled with mentorship opportunities, has enabled Cameron to flourish in a field he previously hadn’t considered. This echoes the broader trend of Indigenous Australians excelling in diverse industries when provided with the right support and encouragement. For example, the national Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) reports a growing number of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners, demonstrating a burgeoning spirit of innovation and self-determination.
Building a Sustainable Model for Indigenous Employment
The success at Cable Beach Club offers a valuable blueprint for other businesses operating in regional and remote Australia. Key elements include proactive recruitment strategies targeting Indigenous communities, culturally sensitive training programs, ongoing mentorship, and a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.By prioritizing Indigenous employment,businesses can not only contribute to social justice but also unlock a wealth of talent,dedication,and cultural knowledge. This isn’t simply a matter of corporate social obligation; it’s a smart business strategy that benefits everyone involved.