GESB Superannuation has announced that one of its senior officials joined a program aimed at helping the organisation gain a better understanding of its Indigenous account holders.
Reporting the initiative GESB Superannuation said its Key Account Manager, Brian Smith had completed the Jawun Secondment Program — a professional development opportunity offered to executive level Public Sector staff to advance cultural awareness.
GESB said the Program involved a six-week secondment to an Indigenous organisation and, in Mr Smith’s case, time at Broome with the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) and the Yawuru People, the traditional owners of Broome and its surrounding areas.
“He worked with the KLC’s Land and Sea Management Unit, tasked with helping the unit develop a field manual, ensuring it met occupational health and safety, insurance, and governance requirements,” The Super fund said.
Mr Smith (pictured) said that at the end of the Program he had constructed a Safety Management System for the unit to build on and ensure its staff were working safely.
“A Jawun secondment is a unique, intense and incredibly positive experience,” Mr Smith said.
“It isn’t without its challenges, but they are all far outweighed by the good work you are doing, the networks you build and the friendships you make.”
He said he left Broome with the knowledge that his work engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities was not over.
“The challenging, thought-provoking and rewarding experiences have left a profound impression on me,” Mr Smith said.
“I’ve been given the tools, understanding and cultural knowledge to put my professional and personal skills to use helping support these incredible communities.”
A total of 58 people from around Australia took part in the Jawun Secondment Program in late 2021.
