Meet John, APM’s new hiring team member developing Indigenous engagement across the organisation.
We recently welcomed new members into the APM Talent Acquisition team who are specialists in Aboriginal Engagement.
John Pracy is one of APM’s Talent Acquisition Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Leads, bringing decades of experience from working nationally in Indigenous education.
In addition to working in a newly created role, he’s also one of the leaders of APM’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) for First Nations people. The ERG will be actively involved in supporting APM employees and clients who represent First Nations people.
John has shared some of his journey with us, and his goals at APM:
Tell us about your heritage
I am very proud to be of Aboriginal descent, my mob is from the Ngemba Nation which is the area of Mt Gunderbooka now a National Park between Bourke & Cobar NSW. My grandmother was born there, then forcefully taken to Brewarrina mission, then to Cowra mission, then on to Sydney where she worked (unpaid) as a domestic cleaner.
What’s your journey been like so far?
In the short time I’ve been at APM I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed working here and given the current climate of an internal genuine interest in dealing with Indigenous Issues, gives me a good feeling of the supported effort across the board. I want more people to have and benefit from this feeling.
We want work with current and future Indigenous staff within APM to ensure they have a positive experience during their time with us. Another area of our focus will also be to create a positive experience for our Indigenous clients.
There is a lot of innovative and continuing work to be developed. I am really happy to be a part of something genuinely is a recipe for great days ahead.
Tell us about your role in the ERG
First ERG was great to see so many mob at the same place from all over the country, it gives me a thirst for developing a co-ordinated effort of supporting each other and ways to go forward in our journey with APM. These are early days and I look forward to a strengthened future.
I have worked in Indigenous education for over 20 years at various levels across our country, including working with some very influential Indigenous Elders. These experiences have me a truly balanced view, they strongly motivate and inform my work.
What are some of your goals?
We want to connect with more folks across the business. We’re collaborating with Darian Bolton at Footprints, APM’s ERG and Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, my colleague Joel, the talent acquisition team, local area coordinators and employment consultants. All so we can move to a planned future of something we can all be very proud of, together.
I am looking forward to the journey ahead at APM and always sourcing innovation locally, nationally. I am motivated especially when I see what’s happening with Indigenous peoples all over the world as we all seem to have similar histories and a struggle for social justice. I’m a strong believer in self-determination in a coordinated effort.
About International Day of the World's Indigenous People
Each year on 9 August, the United Nations observes International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
Since its official inception in 1995, the day has sought to highlight the vital roles played by Indigenous people in (but not limited to):
- Social cohesion and inclusion
- Cultural rights
- Health
- Justice
- Sustainable development
- Language and traditional knowledge
Supporting Indigenous people at APM
At APM we are driven to enable better lives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Through APM Employment Services we offer a range of services tailored to Indigenous job seekers, along with being a Specialist Support provider for Indigenous participants through Workforce Australia.
APM strives to be an inclusive and culturally respectful organisation, working with and contributing to positive and lasting changes in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Curious about where your career might grow with APM?
We help people become their best selves, so they can live their best lives.
At APM we are strengthened by diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect.
We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities and cultures including indigenous peoples, the LGBTQI+ community and people with a disability.
Visit careers.apm.net.au today to view all our current opportunities.
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