Breaking grounds beyond the mines

As a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from the Yidinji clan of Gordonvale and Komet clan of Mer Island, Savannah called the tiny bauxite mining town Weipa - on the western Cape York peninsula - home. Like many of her friends and family, she believed her future was in mining. 

“Living so remotely, I experienced lack of opportunity and a lack of higher education. In school I was an average performing student, I had no sense of career direction and did what most Indigenous kids do there, join the mining industry,” Savannah said.

“After spending seven years in the mines, I faced a loss of purpose. It took a toll on my mental health and wellbeing. I knew that I needed to change something in my life.”

Moving more than 2000km from home, from a tiny remote town to the city, “taking a massive pay cut”, Savannah was presented with a life changing opportunity to join the Queensland Government’s First Nations Digitial Program (FNDP) that is enabling her to earn while she learns. 

The FNDP, in partnership with Microsoft, is designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are keen to explore opportunities in the digital industry – no prior experience needed.

Employed as a trainee with eHealth Queensland, Savannah is also the proud recipient of a TAFE Queensland Scholarship and is completing a Certificate III in Information Technology (ICT30120).

“This course is taught virtually allowing Indigenous students from all areas of Queensland to join. We have students from Yarrabah, Longreach, Rockhampton, Ipswich, Brisbane, and Hervey Bay,” Savannah said. 

“Even with a virtual learning environment we have built meaningful connections. Classes are an enjoyable safe space to share stories and engage in creative learning. Our teacher Jeff is passionate about his job and shows deep dedication and respect while teaching Indigenous students.” 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity that the Queensland Government and TAFE Queensland has provided me. Although I have had a dramatic decrease in salary since leaving the mining industry, I chose to prioritise my education.”

Savannah recently shared her story at the launch of TAFE Queensland’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan – using the opportunity to recognise the challenges faced by First Nations peoples.  
 
“I’m very fortunate to come from a family that encourages education but not all Indigenous people have that experience,” Savannah said.

“Growing up remotely means I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges we face as First Nation people - educational gaps such as numeracy and literally skills being below national benchmarks. 

“Through education and opportunity, we can increase Indigenous employment, build confidence and self-determination, remove shame culture, and increase community development.”

Savannah hopes to continue her education with higher qualifications and encourages First Nations peoples to step out of their comfort zone and let their voice be heard.

Picture: Savannah is pictured with her teacher Jeff Rozen at the launch of TAFE Queensland's Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.