Two local Mount Gambier students travelled to Darwin to join 28 First Nations students from schools across the Northern Territory and South Australia to attend the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) regional program for 2024.


Mount Gambier High School’s Alisha Cram and Grant High School’s Jazmin Bingham took part in the program, which allows students the opportunity to embark on a week of insight into the many employment opportunities offered in the Australian Public Service (APS).


The week kicked off with a team-building challenge at the Darwin Waterfront, fostering camaraderie among the students.


Cultural connections deepened with a Saltwater Ceremony led by Larrakia Elder Dr Richard Fejo, who welcomed WEX organisers, mentors, and students.


Dr Fejo shared stories of the Larrakia peaople, their deep connection to the land and sea, and the significance of preserving cultural heritage.


This ceremony set a profound tone for the week, grounding the students in the rich history and traditions of Larrakia Country.


The itinerary for this year’s regional program supported the students’ career aspirations, with visits to the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct and presentations from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) and the Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM.


Meeting with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel provided hands-on learning with the students participating in an exciting exercise aboard a patrol boat.


The NIAA-hosted career expo featured representatives from seven Commonwealth agencies and departments, offering students a deeper understanding of the variety of roles within the public service.


At the Career Expo, APS employees yarned with students, offering tailored guidance.


The program also emphasised social and cultural connections, ensuring students felt supported.


A cultural night concluded the week, providing a lasting memory of empowerment for the students, mentors and organisers.


WEX regional is a fantastic opportunity for First Nations students to see the scope of Government services outside Canberra.


The Australian Government has funded the WEX program since 2010.


The program is currently administered by the NIAA and delivered by Indigenous business, ETM Perspectives.


Alisha said she enjoyed the experience and the opportunities provided by the program.


“I was encouraged to go to WEX to assist with ideas of what I want to do with my future after Year 12,” she said.


“This program helped me with learning about other career pathways.


I also saw this as an opportunity to learn more about my family’s culture.


“I loved taking the tour around the HMAS Coonawarra navy base, were they spoke to us about what careers we could have in the Defence Force.


“Other highlights were going out in small groups on one of the smaller Navy boats and participating in a team building exercise on a water based optical course.


The objective was not to finish first but work as a team to complete the course.


“I have realised there are many job pathways that I can take that will compliment what I am wanting to do when I am older, with one of these pathways being a Year 12 leavers program that runs for 12 months, where I can work in one of the government departments that participates in the WEX program.”


Jazmin said she learned about the program through her Aboriginal Education teacher Hannah Fox who was aware of Jazmin’s interest in this area.


“Attending the WEX program allowed us to be aware of job opportunities in the public service as Aboriginal students,” she said.


“We were made aware of the opportunities for further education to help reach our career aspirations and goals.


We connected with and built relationships with businesses across Australia and gained access to networking resources.


“I would highly recommend the WEX program to other First Nations students interested in pursuing careers in the Australian Public Service sector.


This program helps to grow leadership and personal skills.


WEX helps to provide pathways and direction into sectors such as the ADF, STEM and other government agencies.”