Call Us : (08) 9323 4586

News

  • August 1, 2018

The Nudge End of Year Sundowner will be held on Wednesday, 14th November 2018 and we would like you to SAVE THE DATE (please)!

Last year’s Sundowner was a great event, showcasing the value and impact of the work conducted by Nudge right across WA, allowing our stakeholders and supporters to hear the stories of our wonderful group of trainees and the value Nudge has brought to the employers we work with.

We hope you are able to join us for this year’s event – officially invitation to follow in coming months.

 

  • July 11, 2018

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise their contributions to the country. NAIDOC Week 2018 runs from Sunday 8th July through to Sunday 15th July, under the theme – Because of Her, We Can.

The Nudge Foundation recognises and celebrates NAIDOC week and acknowledge our trainees and staff members at this special time of the year.

Please read the story by Cynthia Nelly and the positive impact her sister has had on her life.

 

My name is Cynthia Nelly I am a Clerical Trainee at Main Roads WA (Geraldton Office).

To reflect against this year’s NAIDOC theme “because of her we can” one of the important people in my life is my oldest sister Kathleen Nelly. I am proud to have her in my life, she is my best friend, inspiration and mentor in life and a role model that I look up to.

Cynthia Nelly (left) pictured with sister Kathleen Nelly (right).

Because of her and the impact she has in my life she has helped grow and shaped me into this person I am today.  My sister has given me many qualities such as teaching right from wrong, gaining the knowledge and skills I learnt throughout with the help of many other strong important independent women in my life. My mother, grandmothers and aunties have also helped me understand the importance of our Aboriginal culture and traditions with their wise words and stories and they pass down.

My sister has set many good examples in her life, sets her goals high and reaches them in her best ways, she has showed me that there are no limits in life and to always follow my heart and my dreams and that anything is possible to achieve if I put my mind to it. My sister has achieved her lifelong goal of traveling to Paris along with many other countries and I look up to her at every aspect of life with one day the goals to achieve my dreams and goals.

KATHLEEN NELLY

A few words from Kathleen.

“My inspiration comes from my family and friends who have always supported my education and supported my tough times in my younger years and still to now. My inspiration is my two grandmothers who has been a large Impact on life throughout many areas including teaching me their great knowledge of cooking and life advice. It is because of them we can have these goals and aspirations to achieve our dreams.

 Kathleen Nelly pictured in front of the Eiffel Tower.

I have always had a goal of being in a successful career pathway in a job I love, but from a young age I always dreamt to travel the world. In March 2018 I achieved one of these lifelong goals and travelled to Europe where I spent a month visiting 8 countries one being France my ultimate dream. I currently work at Curtin University in Perth where I work to improve the education of non-indigenous and Indigenous Australians about the Indigenous Cultural Perspectives and to improve the journey to Reconciliation.

 

Key Achievement’s that reflect my commitment to education is:

  • 2016 – Winner in the Central Tafe Institute Award Aboriginal Student of the Year
  • 2016 – Semi Finalist in the WA Award for Aboriginal Student of the Year
  • 2016 – 3 Scholarships awards for my studies in completing my Digital Media and Technology Cert IV

 

While these are great achievements, I still look to further my education in many other areas such as Community Development and wish to pursue a degree in Marketing/Events.”

  • June 28, 2018

We have officially reached the end of another financial year – which let’s be honest doesn’t really mark much of an occasion other than the excuse to go for lunch somewhere for most people.

What it does allow us to do is stop, reflect and look back at the last 12 months, get a true sense of what happened, what changed, what we did well and how that marries up to all the statistics and figures.

It is at this time of the year that the Nudge team gather all the relevant information and review how it happened, what we learnt, what we achieved and what we can do better.  This is a vital (and regular) process in the Nudge system.  Our work is all about people and needs to be flexible and accommodating (to a certain point) to ensure the right and best outcomes for all.

The past year has been the most productive in the 10+ year history of Nudge. We were able to help create lots of opportunities for employment and training of young, Aboriginal and disadvantaged people.  In addition, we have had some significant internal changes, to our process, our structures and our personnel, all whilst maintaining high quality service delivery.

 

Group photo of the participants who completed Traffic Management in Moora.

We continue to be proud of what Nudge stands for and what Nudge is able to achieve.  We continue to provide opportunities for people in our community who aren’t gaining access to training and employment through the traditional recruitment channels (for a variety of reasons) and working hard with them to maintain their employment once commenced.

Whilst the past year represents large growth, operationally and financially, from a service delivery point of view, it was also a period where Nudge was able to grow and provide input, advice and impact on policy development for contractors and government agencies.

As we begin a more rigorous and thorough review of the past year, we will be able to provide some clearer indication of the key indicators of success and achievement – including people placed and supported, diversity of culture and gender and retention of trainees.  All this information will be collated and circulated as part of the Nudge Annual Report, due out in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone that played a role within Nudge throughout the year and to all the employers, contractors, local government entities and government agencies that worked with and alongside Nudge to create some truly life-changing outcomes for the WA community.

I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Nudge team and staff, current and former – they are all a dedicated and committed bunch to the work carried out by Nudge. They continually go above and beyond in order to get the best results and outcomes – do what it takes in order to create an opportunity for someone in the community and make it work.  They embody the values and spirit of Nudge…they are Nudge.

Members of the Nudge team with Hon. Minister of Transport Rita Saffioti and Main Roads Managing Director Peter Woronzow

  • June 14, 2018

Over the past eight months, Nudge has welcomed three new members to the Service Delivery Team. We thought this would be a good time for you to get to know them and read up on how they’re going in the Nudge workplace.

 

Matt Paki

I’ve been at Nudge for 8 weeks now and since arriving I have been settling in to the work that Nudge embarks on, from a Service Delivery basis.

I come from an area in the North Island of New Zealand called the Waikato – famous for its river of the same name.  I attended boarding school and university in NZ, and moved to Perth with my wife, Lania, in May 2006.  Over the past 12 years we have welcomed three children into our lives, Arekahanara (6), Amaia (3) and Hakaraia (2) – they keep us busy!

I have worked in the areas of tertiary education – Māori and Aboriginal, International Education, Community Development and more recently, in Employment Services with a focus on people with disabilities.

“Impacting community” is what rings true of the work that Nudge undertakes.  I have been very impressed by the Nudge team and its work in transforming lives and hope for the people we engage. With my experience, personality and approach, my hope is that I can add value to impacting our communities even further.

 

 

Shahna Rind – Aboriginal Mentor & Facilitator 

I have been a part of the Nudge Team 8 months now. I have been mentoring young Aboriginal trainees and supporting them through their traineeships.

My ancestors are the Yamijti people from the Murchison Gascoyne area. My passion has always been to empower Aboriginal women and girls to set goals and believe in themselves to achieve those goals. My background is in teaching and lecturing and Community Engagement and Development.

I always aim to be a positive role model for my people as well as a social advocate and a voice for Aboriginal children, youth and the elderly. My main goal and passion at Nudge is to support young trainees so they can have great relationships with their managers and to complete their qualifications.

 

 

Sam Kimberley – Administration Assistant 

I have been at Nudge for the past 8 weeks, since then I have been providing support to the service delivery team. I am also in the process of completing a Certificate IV Business Traineeship.

I was born and raised south of Perth with my family of eight (Mum, Dad, three sisters and two brothers). I graduated from Kolbe Catholic College in 2015 and have recently started studying a Diploma in Marketing.

I have a passion for helping people and bringing laughter to groups to create enjoyment. Over the past 8 weeks at Nudge I have come to realise what we achieve has a positive impact on transforming lives, and it is something I thoroughly enjoy to do. I am hoping to be able to have a positive impact with what we do as a team and keep on contributing to help transform other people’s lives.

 

  • June 6, 2018

Throughout Reconciliation Week Nudge attended a variety of events to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Please see below the events that took place as well as a story from Main Roads trainee, Cynthia Nelly, on what Reconciliation Week means to her.

Stolen Generations Artwork unveiled at Point Walter Reserve 

On Tuesday the 29th May an artwork acknowledging the Stolen Generations was unveiled at Point Walter Reserve. Nudge MSD, Matt Paki attended the unveiling. The sculpture on behalf of the City of Melville was presented to the public as part of National Reconciliation Week. It was designed by Hamilton Hill artist Sharyn Egan and Northam artist Nic Compton with help from the community.

 

Leanee Woods, Sharyn Egan (Artist), Nic Compton (Artist) and Shahna Rind pictured in front of the artwork.

Reconciliation WA Breakfast 

On Friday morning, 1st June, Nudge ED, Ash Little and MSD, Matt Paki attended the breakfast event hosted by Reconciliation WA at Frasers, Kings Park.  The theme, “Don’t keep history a mystery” was highlighted through the production of a booklet highlighting some of WA’s most poignant historical events. The invitation list included dignitaries, political, cultural, community and business leaders.

The event was opened by Dr Richard Walley and included addresses from four speakers – Mr Fred Chaney AO, Mrs Roni Forrest, Prof Simon Forrest and Mr Glenn Kelly, all with valid points and sharing of their respective experiences.

Reconciliation Walk 

On Friday afternoon, 1st June, and continuing with celebrations for Reconciliation Week 2018 – Nudge ED, Ash Little, MSD, Matt Paki, CSD, Holi Jackson and AA, Sam Kimberley attended the Reconciliation Walk hosted by Reconciliation WA at Elizabeth Quay.

Hundreds gathered to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.  Noongar dancers entertained the crowd ahead of the smoking ceremony which started the Reconciliation Walk. The large crowd wandered around Elizabeth Quay, instructed by Whadjuk people, to experience the six Indigenous seasons Djoba, Djeran, Birak, Makuru, Kambarang and Bunuru.

Cynthia Nelly (Main Roads Trainee, Geralton) describes in her own words what Reconciliation Weeks means to her:

Reconciliation week to me means our nation coming together as one showing respect and compassion and understanding for one another. Building stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It means sharing the elements of Truth, Justice, Forgiveness, Healing, Reparation, and Love.

Reflecting on our tragic history, learning and moving forward and commencing friendship and partnership, providing equality to all and closing gap between us all and accepting one another no matter the differences.

I feel that it is important we celebrate this because it provides a better pathway for our future for us all standing together strong accepting our special unity we have in Australia.

I enjoy my job role as the Clerical Trainee in Main Roads Geraldton office, answering calls, handling mail, opening and closing the office duties and having great responsibility to the records and providing service to our customers and many other tasks, working alongside my co-workers observing and learning about what each individual employee does here is a great experience for me and working with such an amazing team who have welcomed me with open arms into such a great working environment.

I celebrate my culture by showing people that I am a strong proud Yamaji woman that respects my past and present and future elders. I show passion and courage in everything I do, Family is everything in our culture, and knowing where you come from and belong means a lot to us. Everything I learn and gather from my family I will pass down to our next generation.

Cynthia Nelly (Trainee), Paul O’Meara (Business Manager) and Shahna Rind (Nudge) pictured above.

  • May 8, 2018

April has seen some excellent outcomes for our current and past trainees, including an exciting outcome for Sharni Bennell, a former Nudge supported Main Roads Clerical Trainee. Sharni was recently awarded the South West Zone and South Regional TAFE Trainee of the Year in her Certificate IV in Business Administration traineeship, an awesome achievement.

Recently, the South Regional TAFE celebrated its highest achieving students at an awards presentation night, which recognised students who had demonstrated outstanding performance and academic excellence during 2017.

Sharni and Main Roads can be justifiably proud of her achievements, as she was presented on the night with the following:

• South West Zone Trainee of the Year, Certificate IV in Business Administration.
• South Regional TAFE Trainee of the Year, Certificate IV in Business Administration.
• Certificate of Excellence, Certificate IV in Business Administration.

Sharni has documented the process that got her to this point and it is an excellent example of the impact and outcome a traineeship opportunity can have for a new entrant to the workforce.

 

Sharni’s story:

In late October 2016 I was recruited by Nudge, on behalf of Main Roads, to join the South West office as a trainee in Business Services. I was very excited to start this chapter in my life as I was able to complete a course as well as earn an income at the same time. There was not a guarantee of a full time position after the traineeship, but I still tried my hardest in hope that Main Roads could see how determined and dedicated I am.

The Traineeship was for 12 months and I completed in early August, by September I received a letter of appointment offering a permanent full time position with main roads in the South West Region. I was so happy and grateful of the opportunity I was given.

I had so much support from Main Roads and Nudge along the way as well as support from my lecturers at South Regional TAFE. The South West Business Services team were so helpful and full of knowledge which was great as they were all able to assist with teaching me different rolls in the Business Services area.
The best part of my traineeship would be being able to complete a course while working on the job and earning an income. By not having to worry about course fees while gaining experience, it meant I could focus on learning more about the South West Network. The best part of now being employed with Main Roads is having a stable income and job that I can work even harder to move positions in the future.

Without Nudges commitment to local engagement of recruiting the right candidates and preparing me with work readiness training and supporting me throughout the traineeship and even after, I would not have been given the opportunity to work at Main Roads. It has been amazing the amount of support that Nudge gives the trainees and apprentices. I was so worried that if I hadn’t received a position after my traineeship I wouldn’t have the support I had while at Main Roads, but the Nudge team reassured me that even after the traineeship Nudge would assist with working out my next steps and aim to assist with my career development.

Congratulations to Sharni on her achievements, the Nudge team couldn’t be prouder of such a successful and bright young woman being recognised and celebrated for her efforts. We look forward to what the future brings for Sharni, we know it is going to be a bright one.

 

 

  • March 15, 2018

Main Roads/ Nudge Collaboration- Aboriginal Employment Initiatives

Over the past 8 months Nudge has been leading a collaboration with Main Roads WA to develop a Strategic Business Case outlining the best methods to implement Aboriginal Employment Initiatives within the civil industry.  This business case was delivered in January 2018.

The project was focused on how the initiatives and actions taken within Main Roads, its contracts and subsequent contractors, improve Aboriginal livelihood in Western Australia.  This project was beyond simply including employment or business targets into contracts but focused on the timing and manner in which Aboriginal communities, businesses and people are engaged, consulted, included and empowered with the project planning and delivery process.  This requires moving outside the business as usual approach and seeking new ideas, actions and initiatives to deliver wholesome, real and quality outcomes for all involved.

Nudge’s role in the project was to develop the scope, lead the direction and focus of the engagement process, and manage the delivery and stakeholder engagement team.

One of the key outcomes of the process adopted for this Strategic Business Case, was that the inputs, ideas and actions developed for implementation were created and then endorsed by the Aboriginal communities across WA – an important and valuable approach.

The Aboriginal Employment Initiatives Strategic Business Case – available for consumption via the Nudge website (link) – outlines the plans and steps Main Roads is looking to implement into its business and practices in the coming months and years (short and long term).

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE:

http://nudge.ngo/reports/

Given the integral role Nudge played in developing the overall Business Case and the ongoing discussion with communities across WA, we are well placed to support contractors, businesses and employers of all sizes in developing their own approach to meet these new needs and goals.

If you would like to discuss further on how you can be addressing these needs, please contact Ami Kitchingman, Manager Partnerships, ami.kitchingman@nudge.ngo

  • February 2, 2018

2018 has begun with gusto and the Nudge team are working hard with new and existing trainees and employers. 2017 saw an influx of new roles throughout the different areas of industry we support, predominantly in the mining, finance, administration and civil areas. With successfully graduating trainees last year and the continued or new support of 33 trainees by Nudge in 2018 across many locations in WA, it has been a busy and exciting time.

 

As part of the increased spotlight on Aboriginal engagement and employment through the new Main Roads Rural Network Contracts, the successful contractor in the Wheatbelt/Midwest region- Lendlease, engaged Nudge at the end of last year to source, prepare and support 2 new Aboriginal Civil Construction Trainees- one based in Northam and one based in Narrogin. Through our intensive sourcing process, based off of our community engagement model, we looked at additional resources within the community and managed to secure 3 additional employees for Lendlease through the process that they have taken on in the team as full-time staff roles. This is an excellent outcome for both Lendlease and the local community and has seen a strong integration into these communities for these 5 year contracts.

 

As part of the Nudge preparing process, we ran Engaging with your Aboriginal Employee workshops at both locations with supervisors, leading hands and crews to prepare them for the cultural differences of working with an Aboriginal person, to prepare the workforce and the whole Lendlease team to be inclusive and culturally aware with their new employees. This was a great learning experience for all as it is training that has multiple benefits for both the employer group, current employees and any new people coming into the business.

 

Nudge are also currently assisting with additional support services for upskilling the current workforce via traineeships in both regions, seeing current employees being upskilled in their roles to either be better equipped to do these roles or be managed up into new areas in the future.

 

We are looking forward to a busy and exciting 2018, working with existing and new clients to see further training and employment outcomes within WA.

  • June 30, 2017

This year, the City of Mandurah has welcomed five new faces to the team through their Indigenous traineeship programme.  Nudge have been supporting the City of Mandurah trainees and their supervisors for the past 5 months, and they are proving to be great employees and trainees and have really taken this opportunity and made the most of it. We look forward to seeing the trainees successfully complete their qualifications and become role models for other young people looking towards a sustainable future.

We asked the trainees a few questions about their time with the City of Mandurah so far and a few questions to get to know them a little better

Shardah Jetta-Farmer – Community Development Trainee

 

  • Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 

I’m Shardah and I’m a 22 years old and I grew up in the small town of Waroona (in the Peel region). I lived with my mum, dad, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. I’m the eldest of 6 kids and my family is everything to me. If I’m not at work I’m either with my family, playing sport or socialising with friends. I graduated year 12 from Pinjarra Senior High School and my main goal in life is to always be a positive role model for my siblings.

 

  • What’s the best thing you have worked on, learnt or been involved with during your traineeship so far?

I really enjoy working in the community development team here at the City of Mandurah. I get to work with so many different people on a variety of projects but my favourite would have to be being a part of the 2017 NAIDOC committee. We’ve worked hard over the past few months so it’ll be nice to see the outcomes of efforts. This is the first time Mandurah are having a NAIDOC Ball and I’m so proud to be a part of the process.

 

Kieren Crowe – Recreation Programs & Activities Trainee

 

  • Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 

I’m 18 years old, born in Queensland but mainly grew up in Perth. I have heaps of family back over in Queensland. I went to Comet Bay College in year 8 and 9 then moved back to Queensland with my family Mum, Dad and my brother for 2 years. I did year 10 and 11 in Queensland.

Then moved back to Perth in 2015 where I went back Comet Bay College to finish off year 11 and year 12 in 2016. I live with my Mum, Dad and my middle brother. I enjoy playing Rugby League and watching it. It’s a big part of my life and I’d keep going until my body can’t handle it anymore.

  • What’s the best thing you have worked on, learnt or been involved with during your traineeship so far?

I love being involved with our classes Action Tots and action Kids we run throughout the week. The kids each week are awesome they love our classes we run. I enjoy setting up our equipment for the kids and they are very pleased with what we being for each class. I enjoy making good relationships with the parents who come in our classes with their kid.

 

Corey Ugle  – Youth Development Trainee

 

  • Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 

I am a 20 year old indigenous male that grew up in Toodyay/Northam. In 2014 I graduated from Northam Senior High School and was also a prefect that same year. I am a member of the Peel thunder Football Club and am pushing for a league game. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing video games and travelling/photography.

  • What’s the best thing you have worked on, learnt or been involved with during your traineeship so far?

I really enjoy the afterschool activities program and Night fields. It just gives me a chance to develop good relationships with the young people and try to influence them in positive ways.

 

 

Zarina Bin Issa – Administration Assistant  Trainee

 

  • Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 

My name is Zarina and I was born and raised up in Port Hedland. My heritage is Malay/Aboriginal. I have lived and worked all over WA– which has been great as I love to travel and got to see places I probably wouldn’t have thought of visiting. My family are now all living in the Mid-West (Geraldton & Northampton) so I make sure that I get up there and visit as much as I can. In my spare time I love to read, catch up with family or take my dog to the beach.

  • What’s the best thing you have worked on, learnt or been involved with during your traineeship so far?

So far I am enjoying working with a great team and being back in the workforce. I am also looking forward to completing the study side of the traineeship and having a qualification under my belt.