First Nations Australian Employment

Charles Sturt University launched its first Indigenous Australian Employment Strategy in 2005 and held the first Nguluway Conference the same year. We are proud to have maintained and elevated this focus over the last two decades, while acknowledging there is still more to be done to close the gap in employment opportunities and outcomes for First Nations Peoples. Since 2005, new schemes have been explored ranging from First Nations Traineeships to Academic Fellowships and maintaining an employment register for First Nations Peoples. The strategy has also been reviewed and revised to take account of achievements, renew its focus and ensure ongoing relevance.

This strategy builds upon the successes and learnings from previous strategies and has been developed based on extensive consultation with First Nations staff and a broad range of stakeholders across the university, including senior leaders.

Key priority areas of the Charles Sturt First Nations Employment Strategy 2024-2025 include:

*  Attraction and recruitment: We will enhance how we attract and recruit First Nations Peoples across the university – including in academic, research, professional and senior positions.

*  Development and progression: We will support our First Nations staff to develop their professional skills and provide opportunities for career pathways and progression.

*  Engagement and support: We will support our First Nations staff to have a sense of belonging and feeling valued through enhanced engagement and support.

First Nations Employment Strategy 2024-2025

For all enquiries regarding First Nations Employment at Charles Sturt, please contact the First Nations Employment Coordinator:

Find out more

To find out more about First Nations education at Charles Sturt, please refer to:

• Office of Indigenous Engagement
• First Nations Student Success
• School of Indigenous Australian Studies.

Short-term or casual appointments

If you are interested in leaving your resume or details for consideration for casual employment or short term employment, when opportunities are available, please contact:

Meg Evans

acting, First Nations Employment Coordinator

T: 02 6933 4215  E: mevans@csu.edu.au

First Nations Australian Cadetship Program

We are currently rolling out a First Nations Australian Cadetship Program. The first cadets commenced in the Program in early 2021.

This Program provides First Nations Australian students with hands-on experience in a professional area of Charles Sturt that aligns with their studies. Students will be placed on a paid, part-time work placement while completing their chosen degree.

This opportunity will enhance the education journey for First Nations students and support First Nations employment at Charles Sturt .

For enquiries, please contact the First Nations Cadetship Project Coordinator:

Megan Evans

T: 02 6933 4215 E: mevans@csu.edu.au

What is a First Nations Cadetship?

A First Nations Cadetship provides a First Nations student with hands on paid work experience in a professional area of Charles Sturt University that complements their studies.  This is on a part time basis, while completing a degree.

This opportunity aims to enhance the education journey for First Nations students and support First Nations employment at CSU.

What does a First Nations Cadetship Involve?

• Up to 2 years of part time paid work placement within a professional unit at the University (usually the last 2 years of a degree) totalling 420hrs/year
• How the hours are worked are negotiated between the professional area and the Cadet (with milestones set at the end of each quarter requiring a minimum of 105 hours to be worked).
• Continuation of the cadetship will be dependent on the students’ course progress and workplace performance.
• Salary will be funded 100% by the Division of People and Culture.

Duties

• Duties are determined by the professional area, with support from the First Nations Cadetship Coordinator and should complement the student’s area of study.

If you are interested in becoming a cadet or being a host area for a cadet please register now and the First Nations Cadetship Coordinator will be in contact with you.

First Nation Cadetship Expression of Interest Form 

Host Expression of Interest Form

We have Study Support initiatives to support academic and professional First Nations Australian employees to develop their career.

Read more about our study support initiatives for professional and general staff

Read more about our study support initiatives for academic staff

An employee is eligible to receive an allowance where their fluency in a recognised First Nations language is required in the course of their duties. Language fluency may be confirmed via an employee recruitment process or through an application for a language allowance made during the course of employment.

First Nations Language Allowance application form

There are two First Nations Language Allowance rates available, based on the employees level of First nations language proficiency. More information can be found in the First Nations Language Allowance Guidelines

Nguluway, means ‘to meet with each other’ in Wiradjuri Language.  This is the title given to the Charles Sturt University, First Nations Australian Staff Conference.

The Charles Sturt Nguluway conference is a biennial event that supports the development of all First Nations Australian employees. Nguluway provides First Nations staff the opportunity to come together to network, develop strategies to support each other in both our professional and cultural lives, and to celebrate our success. The conference comprises of cultural and information sessions that are hosted by guest speakers and provides First Nations staff the opportunity to have a united and direct voice to the leaders of the University.

Dates and location change for the conference every two years, this allows flexibility to work around other significant events within the University and allows staff the opportunity to attend different campus locations and visit different parts of Country.

The conference is funded through the First Nations Australian Employment budget, so no registration fee is required.  Each staff member who registers for attendance, must seek the approval of their budget centre manager for associated travel costs, including accommodation and meals outside the conference times.

Keep an eye out for details as they emerge and for general queries or to find out more, please contact:

Meg Evans

acting, First Nations Employment Coordinator

6933 4215 / mevans@csu.edu.au

nguluway@csu.edu.au