Since 2021 CASA has actively engaged in the Jawun secondment program, providing connection and learning opportunities while supporting indigenous organisations. Noel Pearson, Jawun Patron best describes Jawun when he says:
In an effort to move away from a passive welfare economy and to effect real change in our communities, we didn’t want money … We wanted skills and expertise, and we wanted to have the opportunity to develop our skills and enhance our capabilities in order to take ownership of our future. We were in search of people with skills and expertise that could assist us in pursuing our reform agenda … It is from this notion that Jawun was born.
CASA Jawun alumni
Hayley Purdon, 2021
North-East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Hayley’s placement included 2 projects for separate Yolngu controlled organisations in North-East Arnhem Land. These projects involved creating a framework and strategy for Miwatj Health’s learning and development team, and creating a strategy for an emerging Yolngu empowerment organisation, Djalkiri.
Tegan Blunden, 2021
Central Australia, Northern Territory
Tegan worked with the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council, which provides health, cultural and social services across 350 square kilometres and 26 desert communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.
Scott Jacovou-Johnson, 2022
Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation, Ceduna South Australia
During his time at Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation (CAC), Scott developed and implemented a mentoring framework and supporting resources that CAC mentors use when working with their clients.
The Jawun secondment has helped me to be more empathetic, understanding and patient in my approach with people who work and live different to the way I do.
– Hayley Purdon.
CASA continues its Jawun involvement. In 2023 we are maintaining our connection to the 6-week secondment program and extending our commitment to include participation in the 12-week Empowered Communities secondment. At this RAP’s launch we have submitted our first nomination for the Empowered Communities secondment and that nomination is in progress.
CASA views the investment in Jawun as an opportunity to enhance the personal and professional development of individual participants, an opportunity to grow connections with Indigenous organisations across Australia, and as further evidence of CASA’s commitment to reconciliation.