ABC Radio National “Life Matters” show. Listen again HERE.
Cadetship
Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, and Cadet Alumnus, Brendan Lawley, were interviewed by Amanda Smith on Radio National ‘Life Matters’ show about the Cadetship program and mentoring.
WinTV Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland, Shepparton, Albury & Canberra.
Journey Program
WinTV came out to Kooyoora State Park to interview our Malmsbury Camp Manager, Jess Case, and students from Western English Language School who were participating in Doxa’s Journey Program – a multi-day trekking program to build teamwork, resilience, connection to country.
Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative Smoking Ceremony at Malmsbury Camp
“In this time, I have seen and experienced the amazing work that Doxa does for young people in our community, and now I am proud to say that we are working towards reconciliation with the community in the development of our first ever RAP.”
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation. There are four different types of RAP; Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. Even though we are still in the developmental stages our first RAP, Reconciliation Australia has advised us to move from a ‘reflect’ RAP to an ‘innovate’ RAP. Although this may seem like a small feat it is cause for celebration. This advancement marks Doxa’s first accomplishment in reconciliation. We have observed and evaluated our level of cultural competency and have acknowledged that significant work needs to be done at Doxa to welcome more ATSI staff and program participants, increase our collective knowledge and to push for reconciliation within our sphere of influence.
Program Participants at our Malmsbury camp
In the five years that I have been with Doxa I have been able to experience both sides of the company, as both a program participant and an employee. Being the first Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Program participant, and one of the only current Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees I have felt relatively alone at Doxa.
“With no representation and little understanding of my culture, I will be honest and say that at times I have found it tough to find that sense of belonging that some of my peers have benefited from.”
I acknowledge that some gestures have been made at Doxa to change this but it’s important that these are done with good intention and genuine commitment to reconciliation and are not merely tokenistic. Tokenism is something we see a lot of in society and it’s not helpful. That’s why we need a RAP. By committing to a RAP, Doxa is committing to becoming an environment where Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young peoples feel welcome, safe and valued, with our culture recognised, understood and celebrated. And that’s a really important place to be.
Doxa is working towards ensuring that Indigenous young peoples feel safe and supported
While our RAP is still in the developmental stages, it has already had an immense impact upon the organisation. We have been able to implement changes and raise awareness about not only Doxa’s but our staff and participants cultural . Cultural awareness training for all staff has been booked and has already started the conversations around reconciliation. Staff have also stated that they have been engaging in conversations and activities with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples outside of work.
“While this may not seem like much, a conversation is where true reconciliation must begin.”
In creating and committing to a RAP Doxa has taken that first step towards reconciliation. Now, our journey is well underway and those first few steps have started us on our march, with each step paving the way for others to follow.
AMT Magazine
Cadetship
Doxa is seeking to partner with businesses across Victoria as part of its flagship employment pathways Cadetship program.
Herald Sun (also syndicated in the Brisbane Courier and Adelaide Advertiser)
Cadetship
Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, and Cadet Alumni, Shelley Fenech, and external program facilitators speak to NewsCorp about the challenges facing school leavers.
Victorian not-for-profit, Doxa is seeking to partner with businesses across Victoria as part of their flagship employment pathways Cadetship Program.
Doxa has selected 12 business-minded young achievers from a diverse range of backgrounds for Cadetship. These individuals are motivated, talented, tenacious and have overcome enormous barriers in their pursuit to stay engaged in education. 44% are studying a STEM subject at university, 29% are studying Business, 13% Finance, 9% Law and 5% an Arts degree.
This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity offers Program Partners a talented undergraduate as part of their team; skilled volunteering opportunities for existing staff; and a chance to change the life of a high-achieving young Australian from a disadvantaged background.
Doxa supports Cadetship Program Partners by providing a shortlist of talented applicants relevant to their sector; building a learning and development framework; providing mentoring; and recruitment support as well as on-boarding advice.
Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, said that: “We have a diverse range of Cadets all in great need. 51% live off a family income of below $30,000 per annum, 24% are refugees/newly arrived migrants, 18% come from rural/regional areas. These young people are experiencing significant disadvantage. They don’t have the social capital, financial support or professional networks that you and I had.”
“What they do have is the skills, growth mindset and incredible drive to succeed in business and in life. But they need your help in order to achieve this,” he said.
“We currently have 12 young people left to place this year by mid-April, and that’s why we are calling out for organisations with a focus on STEM, Business, Finance, Law and Arts to partner with us and join us on the journey.”
Since 1993, more than 400 young people have participated in the Doxa Cadetship Program. It is open to Year 12 students transitioning into university and is a three to five-year program, depending on the length of the degree the student is undertaking.
To get involved or for more information on the Doxa Cadetship Program, visit www.doxa.org.au.
Ends.
Media Contact: Belinda Rowse, Public Relations Officer, Doxa
Email: browse@doxa.org.au | Phone: 03 9046 8207
We have shortlisted these future stars from a diverse range of challenging backgrounds from across Victoria for our 2018 Cadetship program. We are now looking for corporates to partner with to create a life-changing experience for these young people experiencing disadvantage.
That’s where you come in.
This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity means that your company will have:
And we’ve made it easy for you. We provide you with a shortlist of talented applicants, on-boarding support, mentoring support and admin assistance. Your company provides a work placement, Doxa provides the support, and we partner to create a life changing opportunity. We are with you every step of the way to make it a valuable experience for all involved.
You’ll be working with some truly impressive young people who are equipped with the drive, resilience and growth mindset to succeed and navigate the workplace of the future. Many have faced socio-economic disadvantage, others have come from a refugee/asylum seeker background and some have come from rural/regional Victoria. Overcoming hardship has given them the determination and drive to succeed.
The challenge we face is that we have 12 incredible young people from our shortlist to place at sponsor companies by mid-April. We need your assistance to provide the solution. Get involved and become a Cadetship sponsor company today.
Future Insights student, UPP volunteer and Melbourne University student Layal Al Ashkar
Although I was born and raised in Australia– a place where I believe I am fortunate enough to perhaps experience less vulnerability than other girls and women around the globe- that is not to say that I grew up oblivious to the disparity which continues to exist even in the most cosmopolitan of countries and communities. Neither, does it mean that I grew up blind to the human rights violations and inequalities occurring on a global scale. Being a daughter of Lebanese migrants ensured I was confronted by the inequality endured by women – particularly prevalent in the flawed rights to freedom, education and the minimal or lesser opportunities available.
Understanding, and appreciating the opportunities I have is why I am driven to play a crucial role in change- the only constant in our society.
Layal with her female family members for International Womens Day 2018
International Women’s Day (IWD) means much more to me than a single day to celebrate ‘women’ . It is the depiction and ongoing reminder, of how far we have come in gender inclusivity, yet how far we have yet to go. It is about understanding that sealing the gender gap is over a century away and this task requires global, collective progress. It is about advocating the importance of maintaining a gender parity mindset and empowering young girls.
This year, I have decided to focus on celebrating women’s achievements – this is my part in the #PressforProgress theme and here is how I aim to do so!
Being able to connect with others who are invested in commemorating and supporting other women is essential. A key, respected role model of mine is Emma Watson who has used her fame to contribute to Women’s Rights and worked with the UN for the HeForShe campaign. I will continue to support her work and that of others like her, by sharing, contributing and acknowledging the time and effort she is investing as an activist, within my influential sphere.
With digital technology as advanced as we have ever known, it is now more than ever that we must continue to strategically use social media platforms to share and praise one another’s achievements- particularly in the gender parity agenda.
IWD plays a crucial role in reaching and combining the efforts of global governments, women’s organisations, business, and charities across the world. An essential form of giving credit is ensuring that all these divisions are working collectively towards eradicating the gender gap.
Collective efforts become historic legacies which can be carried on through generations as proof of success and further inspiration. I vow to contribute in giving credit where it is deserved, regardless of status and gender. This includes acknowledging the hard work of those around me as well as that of all women around the world through sharing success, acknowledging and building upon the past efforts.
“No country can develop if half its population is left behind” – Justine Greening, UK Development Secretary
Every life is as vivid and complex as the other. Individuals have varying ideas of what ‘achievement’ means. The ever-evolving concepts of female roles in society often shape these ideas and I will strive to respect all forms of achievement.
Achievement takes effort, skill and courage- values which are implemented in various ways to achieve various outcomes. In believing this, I hope to aid in the instillment of these values in all girls and women. I will strive to achieve this by supporting my family, friends, social sphere and further reaching out to assist young girls through volunteering for programs, including Doxa’s Future Focus and Universities Pathways Programs.
Students from Lakes Entrance Primary School attending our City Holiday Camp
We are currently in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan. This brings us a step closer to becoming a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive organisation for the increasing number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people who participate in our programs.
We have submitted a draft to Reconciliation Australia and will be continuing to build our connections and relationships with the Indigenous community as part of this important work in 2018.
Holiday Camper enjoying a cooking session at Malmsbury Camp
At our City Camp this year, we saw 30 campers from across Victoria take a trip to Melbourne CBD to participate in activities including: stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking on the Yarra and our now-famous “Masterchef” burger cooking challenge.
And at our Malmsbury Camp, we hosted a record 149 Campers. Many thanks to our dedicated team of 30 volunteers – we literally couldn’t do this without you! Highlights from across the camps included: horsemanship, swimming, circus skills and even a visit to Kryall Castle.
Holiday Camper parents’ feedback:
“At last week’s camp at Malmsbury, my daughters went and had an absolute ball. It was so good for their self-confidence as it was at an all-time low. You people are just amazing and I thank you so much for everything you do”
“I am the foster mother of a young person who attended and loved your Malmsbury Summer Camp this year. We have never seen him so happy after a camp before. He was full of enthusiasm and told us all about the activities and other kids…and it was really positive which is amazing for him.”
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