Ella Taverner, a Gunditjmara woman and Banyule Council’s First Nations Employment Pathways Lead, oversees the program alongside Council’s wider cultural capability uplift. Her role was established as part of a two-year pilot, with Council later endorsing both the position and traineeship program as ongoing.
For Ella, the program’s impact depends on bringing opportunity, professional development and cultural safety together.
“Developing pathways that create opportunities for confidence and capability building in a professional context that are also rooted in a culturally safe practice and approach is so important.”
A visible Indigenous presence across an organisation can also influence whether young people consider local government a place for them.
“I think it can be really challenging if you don't see yourself represented within an organisation. Whether that's in a leadership position or just generally among your peers, it can feel like a far stretch to picture yourself there.”
“For a lot of young Mob that can be a big deterrent because it doesn't seem like a viable option. So creating pathways where that representation is there and it's evident is huge.”
Council is using feedback from trainees, supervisors and the community to refine the program and consider how participants can be supported beyond their initial 12 months.
Looking ahead, Ella hopes the work will strengthen Council’s relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and create opportunities that extend beyond the organisation.
“Success looks like continuing to strengthen Council's relationship with the local First Nations here, while building these sustainable and meaningful employment pathways that are creating real opportunities both within Council and externally.”
By embedding Indigenous employment initiatives into its ongoing work, Banyule Council is building a stronger foundation for Indigenous representation and participation in local government, with AFL SportsReady supporting the development of pathways that can lead to lasting career opportunities.
Banyule is continuing the traineeship program in 2027. If you or someone you know may be interested, contact indigenousprograms@aflportsready.com.au.