Trainees, families and mentors travelled across WA to celebrate the 14th Solid Futures Aboriginal Traineeship Program graduation last Friday.
The ceremony opened with an insightful Welcome to Country from Matthew McGuire, who shared his pride as a Noongar man and former public sector trainee. “Education is so important,” he said. “Seeing you here graduating today is an honour and privilege for me.”
Public Sector Commissioner Sharyn O’Neill AO PSM commended the trainees for their commitment to learning.
“What you bring to the public sector goes far beyond qualifications and work experience. You bring your voices, your cultural knowledge, your perspectives and your lived experiences,” she said.
The graduates join more than 500 First Nations people who have taken part in Solid Futures since 2012.
Representing the host agency community, Sandra Jovanou from the Art Gallery of WA reflected on her decade-long involvement with the program, praising the calibre of trainees and the outstanding contribution of their graduating trainee.
Graduates Harmony Bellotti and Kaid Ninyette from DFES shared their personal journeys. Harmony spoke of the professional growth she experienced while helping bring NAIDOC Week to life in the agency.
Kaid reflected on overcoming challenges during his traineeship, crediting his friends, family and the Solid Futures team for their support.
Congratulations to all of this year’s graduates. Your leadership, resilience and cultural knowledge continue to strengthen our sector and our State.
Print this page
