Bonnie Andrews is a proud Barkindji woman, hailing from the far west of New South Wales. She embarked on a remarkable journey of both personal and professional growth during her traineeship with AFL SportsReady.
Like many, she was uncertain about her career path after completing high school. This “Amazing and Deadly” experience allowed her to earn a Certificate III in Business while gaining invaluable work experience.
Bonnie’s traineeship with AFL SportsReady was a pivotal moment in her life. She took on the role of Reception/Administration Assistant at the Cathy Freeman Foundation, a dream come true for her. Her daily tasks revolved around various aspects of business admin, event coordination, and providing excellent customer service.
Reflecting on her experience, Bonnie describes it as “Amazing and Deadly.”
“The Cathy Freeman Foundation is amazing, meeting all the community and working with the youth, I definitely felt like I was back home in my community working with my family.”
Bonnie’s connection to the foundation’s mission and her work with youth transcended day-to-day job responsibilities. It was a heartfelt journey back to her cultural roots, a reminder of the values instilled in her by her community, and an opportunity to be a positive influence on the next generation.
One of the highlights of Bonnie’s traineeship was the opportunity to meet and work alongside her idol, Cathy Freeman. It’s not every day that one gets to meet their role model and collaborate with them on meaningful projects. Bonnie’s admiration for Cathy Freeman and the foundation’s work fueled her dedication and passion throughout her traineeship.
“Completing a traineeship has helped me discover my passion for the industry and has given me direction and purpose. I am grateful for the opportunities that my traineeship has brought me and couldn’t be more excited for the future.”
Looking back on her journey so far, Bonnie now sees herself as a proud and confident person. The traineeship not only helped her discover her passion but also provided her with a clear sense of direction and purpose. She is immensely grateful for the opportunities the traineeship provided and is excited about future prospects.
Bonnie’s advice to young individuals who have just completed Year 12 is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be shamed, give it a go.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of taking chances and pursuing passions.
Bonnie’s traineeship experience with AFL SportsReady has prepared her for her current role as a recruitment residential care worker at Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS). She credits her qualifications and experience from the traineeship for helping her secure this position. Her dedication to working within the community, especially with children in the care system, stems from her personal experiences and a desire to make a difference.
“Having my qualification and experience from the AFLSR traineeship helped in gaining full-time employment with MDAS. I have a big passion for working within my community, not only that but working with kids in the system as I’ve been through it myself.”
Bonnie wholeheartedly recommends completing a traineeship for young individuals who are uncertain about their career paths or seeking opportunities to upskill and gain work experience. Her journey highlights how a traineeship can change a person’s life and set them on a path towards a successful and fulfilling career.
“My journey has been full of twists and turns, but the traineeship has played a significant role in shaping my career. It showed me that I was capable of succeeding.”
Her story encourages young individuals to embrace new opportunities, chase their dreams, and take pride in their heritage, just as she proudly represents her Barkindji roots in her remarkable journey.
