Celebrating success

Alice Hughes gained a Certificate III in Aged Care at the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. After completing her studies she successfully secured a position as a carer at Domain Aged Care in Lakes Entrance. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam.

Mark Olive, under his moniker ‘The Black Olive’, is a chef with over 25 years’ experience. As a well-known Australian food celebrity, Mark’s charismatic style and creative approach to food are demonstrated through his television series ‘The Outback Cafe’. Photograph by James Henry.

BLAK Dot Gallery is a contemporary Indigenous run arts space that showcases artworks of world Indigenous cultures. A firm supporter of emerging artists it’s developing as a unique arts space for launches and exhibitions and provides a market for artists to sell their product. Photograph by James Henry

Chantelle Hood worked as the Parent and Community Education Officer for the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust in 2011. She then went on to work in Business Administration for the Trust where she is gaining a raft of new skills to qualify her for future administration roles. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Chantelle Mobourne worked full time at the Lake Tyers Children’s Centre while studying a Certificate III in Childcare at TAFE. She is motivated by her determination to gain qualifications in a field she thoroughly enjoys creating a sustainable employment path. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Chris Andy’s passion for horticulture has borne fruit through his success in gaining a full time position with the East Gippsland Shire Parks and Gardens. Working as a parks and gardens attendant since July 2011, Chris describes his role as ‘the best job I’ve ever had’ Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Daniel Clarke was able to successfully secure a four-year apprenticeship with Metro Trains as a Signals Apprentice through the support of the Vacsal RAW Recruitment Program and the Transport & Logistics Industry Broker Program. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Eric Brown is a self-taught artist who specialises in didgeridoo playing and artworks. He has been painting and carving for more than 18 years. Gallery Kaiela in Shepparton is a shopfront for local Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their work. Photograph by James Henry

Simon Bunnell from Get Fresh Meats in Eltham is a third generation butcher with 28 years of experience in retail butchery, Simon’s know-how is the basis on which Get Fresh Meats produces quality gourmet meats for all occasions. Photograph by Steven Rhall

Hayden Murray has various skills in the building industry and is employed as an Apprentice Carpenter by Hickory Developments to work on the Travancore Apartments in Flemington Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

The Aboriginal Resource Trail at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne rests on the traditional camping and meeting place for the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people. The cultural education program that is delivered by highly trained teachers under the guidance of an Indigenous Program Officer. Photograph by Steven Rhall

IDJA Dance Theatre is Victoria’s Indigenous contemporary dance and visual theatre company. IDJA creates contemporary dance and visual theatre works for festivals, stage, film, installation and corporate events. Photograph by James Henry

Ingenuity consultants have worked with more than 200 Indigenous communities across Australia. In each case, Ingenuity has achieved culturally-appropriate solutions for sustainable community development, both in Aboriginal Australia, and within the broader communities in which we all live. Photograph by James Henry

James Henry arrived at photography after working as a musician and event organiser. James aims for photography that captures the true emotions of situations and he draws on his keen eye for the focal point that inspires discussion and debate.

Jeffrey Walker took on his first job as a labourer with trenching and boring group, BPR Plumbing in Bairnsdale. He balances the demands of his busy yet enjoyable career by playing football for the local team, the Lindenow Football Club. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Kayla Wilson completed a Certificate IV in Out of School Hours Care. With her nationally recognised certificate, Kayla can apply for work in most Australian states and territories, and fulfil her ambition to travel and work around Australia. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Mectec Sawmill, located in East Gippsland, is a boutique, old-style hardwood sawmill operated by JM & EC Mekken & Family, with workers trained in the use of traditional equipment. The mill produces a range of products from garden stakes to bridge timbers. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Native Oz Cuisine is a premium catering service which incorporates the use of native Australian ingredients for all corporate events, weddings and functions. The company offers native Australian ingredient consultancy with nutritional and historical information. Photograph by James Henry

Nicole Hood has been working at the East Gippsland Regional Wurreker Broker – a division of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI). Nicole’s goal of working to further the educational aspirations of Koorie students is underlined by her own pathway to study. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Peter Shepherd worked as an adult Apprentice Plumber in Melbourne on the Quest Apartments site in Bundoora with Cook and Dowsett. Photograph by Wayne Quilliam

Shanon Watkins, Andrew Saunders and Carl Atkinson work in the horticulture industry for RAD.COM – Indigenous work crew. Photograph by James Henry