First Nations programs

First Nations people in northern Australia offer a significant opportunity for employment in biosecurity. The purpose of NAPCaRN First Nations programs is to create a future pipeline of biosecurity and agricultural specialists in the north of Australia by assisting First Nations peoples to move into successful and rewarding careers.

The benefits for individuals include long-term employment, ongoing opportunities for training and development, and career pathways and pipelines into more senior positions across a range of areas and initiatives in biosecurity. Many of the skills are also transferable across industries and disciplines, meaning that there is breadth to expand career options in the future.

This investment will ultimately build capability in northern Australia through leveraging, knowledge sharing, linking and connecting activities and investments. It will greatly enhance communication and engagement on emerging northern biosecurity issues, provide agility and flexibility during responses, foster the development of core technical and leadership skills across industry and First Nations stakeholders, assist with attraction/retention of biosecurity capabilities to the north, create job opportunities for indigenous people, and ultimately, lead to better biosecurity outcomes.

In 2023-24, the Northern Australia People Capacity and Response Network (NAPCaRN) is offering First Nations persons from government, industry and indigenous organisations the opportunity to develop skills and experience in Board/Committee membership.

Diversity improves the quality and objectivity of the decision-making process by bringing new voices to the decisions. It fosters innovation, creativity and a better understanding of consumer insights through a greater variety of problem-solving approaches, perspectives and ideas. Moreover, inclusive and diverse workplaces and industries are more likely to be effective. Diversity is a source of competitive edge and a key enabler of growth and value creation.

The program is open to individuals of any age, gender, cultural group, background, socio-economic status, job level, or ability and encourages those in regional and remote areas. While preference will be given to those in northern locations, applicants from other locations may also be accepted into the program.

Commitment to the program includes the ability to attend the three day training program, a willingness to prepare for meetings, attendance at meetings, and commitment to follow up on any actions arising from the meetings.

This program aims to increase awareness and knowledge of the value of diversity for Boards throughout the Northern Territory, by sponsoring an intern to be involved with their Board, and creating an environment in which the Board and intern can learn and grow together.

EOIs for the 2024 intake have now closed.

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