Bigambul Career Expo highlights employment opportunities for young people

• Bigambul Youth Summit helps to shape future for Indigenous community members
• Council was one of many businesses that held a stall at the Bigambul Careers Expo where local workers promoted opportunities
• Indigenous guest speakers and local employees were available to discuss their journey into employment, along with the options available today

Over the last week, the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation hosted an Elders gathering and a Youth Summit at the Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre, where Bigambul men and women from the Goondiwindi region and broader afield took centre stage in shaping their future.

The inaugural Bigambul Career Expo was attended by representatives from Council, employers from across the region, Bigambul Elders, young people and their families. Participants came from near and far, with a number of the Bigambul Traditional Owner youth group travelling from Brisbane, Chinchilla and inter-state to contribute to the local community.

Council participated in the youth-targeted program, hosting a stall, that aimed to encourage career pathways and promote or progress career opportunities through in-depth conversations with the young people and in many cases their family members.

The Summit also featured Indigenous guest speakers, including former rugby league player Joel Thompson, who shared his story about a troubled start to life and his journey to now working for indigenous owned and operated rail construction and mining company ‘Thee Group’.   

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM acknowledged the commitment of the Bigambul Elders in fostering positive outcomes for the future of their young community members.

“It’s widely accepted that employment leads to improved outcomes for all young people and I would like to acknowledge the Bigambul people for their dedication to actively engaging with and promoting opportunities for their youth. 

“Council was proud to be able to invite our indigenous Council workers to also participate, and showcase Council as a quality employer with many career pathways and opportunities.

“I am grateful to the Bigambul people for hosting this event and to the regional employers who took the time to share important discussions and opportunities at the Summit,” Cr Springborg said.