An Indigenous Service Officer with the Department of Human Services (DHS) in country NSW has been awarded a National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week award for her commitment and support for local Indigenous communities.
Dawn Towney (pictured), based in the DHS Dubbo Service Centre, provides support to many communities around the region. She travels hundreds of kilometres to work with people in their own towns so they can access Government services.
Ms Towney said her work was about breaking down the barriers in smaller communities and building trust.
“I make sure I link in with different sections of the community, like Elders groups, families or young people finishing school, to provide all the support I can,” Ms Towney said.
She said she also worked with local organisations in the towns she visited to help customers understand a range of issues like online services and identity requirements.
“It’s also important to maintain those relationships, to let people know I’m here for them, either in their communities or over the phone,” Ms Towney said.
“It’s about being accountable and showing respect to everyone, whether they’re colleagues or customers. I treat people the way I expect to be treated.”
She began work with DHS in Lightning Ridge four years ago and since then has made it her mission to improve the lives of as many people as possible.
“The award has reassured me I’m exactly where I need to be,” Ms Towney said.
“I’m making a difference.”
The DHS NAIDOC Awards recognise the important work being done around Australia to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with payments and services.
