Kimberley graduates ready to take on pastoral challenge

The latest graduates of the pioneering Aboriginal Pastoral Academy will soon be sharing their newly acquired skills with the northern pastoral industry.

Ten participants have completed 10 weeks of pre-employment training at Roebuck Plains Station through Nyamba Buru Yawuru's Warrmijala Murrgurlayi (Rise up to Work) program and secured jobs for the 2023 pastoral season.

The Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA) will coordinate mentoring support and further skills training of the on-station placements across Kimberley and Pilbara pastoral stations.

The program is being delivered with funding support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

DPIRD Aboriginal Economic Development manager Melissa Hartmann said the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy was first set up in 2020 to nurture the next generation of Aboriginal pastoral employees in the State’s north and had since expanded with the support of the KPCA and Nyamba Buru Yawuru.

“This collaboration is helping is building vital employment pathways, which will generate broad benefits to the pastoral industry, as well as local communities in the north,” Ms Hartmann said.

Warrmijala Murgurlayi pastoral mentor Lex Mourambine congratulated the graduates.

“I strongly believe that all of the participants who have graduated from the Warrmijala Murrgurlayi (Rise up to Work) Pastoral Program deserve to take their place in the industry,” Ms Mourambine said.

“I look forward to walking with them on their journey and wish them all the best as they make the best of the opportunities before them.”

KPCA chief executive officer Mick Sheehy said the KPCA was very pleased to be able to play a role in this incredibly important program.

“We are delighted with the calibre of the graduates this year and pleased that KPCA member stations, Roebuck Plains, Myroodah, Napier Downs and Hamersley, have offered employment to all of the graduates,” Mr Sheehy said.

“KPCA will continue to support the graduates, the participating stations and the program as it progresses.”

Roebuck Plains Station (RPS) Warrmijala Murgurlayi pre-employment graduation event: (front) Rumbah-Riley Delvin, Luis Matsumoto, Fred Hamlet (RPS mentor), Jamarlin Mckenzie; (rear) Amy Andison (Nyamba Buru Yawuru manager-community development), Ben Mckenzie (RPS senior stockman,) Leith-Cole Walker, Quentin Skeen, Anne Clarke, Leith Barnes (RPS assistant manager), Eli Carlton, Teaghan Hastie, Sariah Cox, Kristy and John Geddes (RPS station managers). (Absent: Taiyah Skeen and Edgar Dodd – already commenced at Myroodah Station).

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