The Naidoc careers day held on Wednesday had numerous stalls in the community precinct.

Some of the representing organisations included Ernest Henry Mine, Aurizon, the Cloncurry Shire Council, QPS, and K & R Contracting. 

Being a Naidoc theme meant most opportunities and programs offered from stalls had an Indigenous focus, including the Queensland Police Service’s Indigenous Recruit Preparation Program. 

Ernest Henry Mine representatives, including supervisor George Korabo, offered the Indigenous employment program which provided 10 weeks of training at Myuma, in Camooweal.

“We’re kicking some massive goals,” Mr Korabo said. “The more we get out there the more benefit it will be.”

The mine also offered the school leavers program. 

Cloncurry State School deputy principal Brendan Baillie said the students gained many ideas of career paths they might be able to take from attending the event. 

“It is fantastic a lot of industries turned out, which is really good that they are supporting their schools,” Mr Baillie said. 

Longreach Agricultural College representative Ella Paine is a past student who grew up on her family’s property near Winton. She completed a Cert 2 and Cert 3 in six months. 

“I learned so much. Not just from the course but from the experience itself, from the instructors and the whole community at the college. It’s a strong community.” 

Spinifex College teacher Amanda Farrelly advertised the RATEP course. The school worked with TAFE and James Cook University to encourage Indigenous locals to work in education.

Indigenous students could study locally instead of travelling to Cairns and Townsville for the course. 

Cloncurry police liaison officer Mitch Hudson is a born and bred local who entered the role after working at the local PCYC. He was among representatives at the QPS and PCYC stall. 

“I wanted a change. I did two weeks training at (QPS) Oxley Academy in Brisbane, and I have been in the job three years,” he said. 

“It’s easier because I’m from here and local knowledge is so important, and helps police carry out duties.”