Meet Khiarna. She’s recently joined Bamara as our Trainee Aboriginal Schools Mentor based in Dubbo, working with the DHUB – Dubbo Opportunity Hub team.

DHUB partners with local Elders and community leaders, employers, and various community agencies to help students progress in their chosen career pathways.

Having utilised the DHUB program herself recently in Year 12, Khiarna is learning the ropes and kicking goals for our team at the same time.

She’s now helping participants achieve similar goals as she has recently worked towards through DHUB – by successfully transitioning to a meaningful career and post-school outcome across Dubbo and Wellington.

Welcome Khiarna! Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Bamara?

I am the Trainee Aboriginal Schools Mentor at DHUB. I’ve only been with the team for two months, but they have already taught me so much about my role here. 

I have been working with our Schools Team Leader, Caroline, across the partnered schools delivering our Nghadi Gawla and Nghadi Birrang with participants from years 5 to 12 in our member schools across Dubbo and Wellington.

What led you into this line of work?

I have only recently graduated from school, and this time last year, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do after school. 

DHUB was introduced into my year 12 Work Studies class at Dubbo College Senior Campus in the middle of the year to run our programs. 

DHUB has helped me gain a broader knowledge of the workforce, which made me realise that I wanted to work with Indigenous youth and have a passion for community services.

Describe your role and the services you provide for our participants?

As a school mentor, I help a lot in the schools with Caroline, but once I’ve been trained up a bit in the programs we run, I’ll be able to run them by myself and provide services to the participants.

How can participants benefit from our services through DHUB?

Being Aboriginal at school is always a significant boundary for our community. We support our participants through DHUB when they are struggling at school. Just the small things like helping complete assessments, supporting attendance, and making our sessions enjoyable so that participants can engage and have some fun in school.

What do you remember about your first job and the life lessons you got from it?

For my first job, I was a cashier at a local supermarket. I learnt that being confident will constantly better your performance at work.

How has Bamara helped you in your career and professional development?

I’m currently completing a Certificate III in Business Services through Bamara Education and Training. I’ve gained more knowledge of WHS policies and procedures as I assist DHUB with the compliance actions sent out from Bamara management. I’ve been taught how to type an email, admin duties, and enter data. They have also boosted my confidence in speaking in front of big groups.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love to hang out with my friends in my free time.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

My biggest dream has always been to travel around Europe. I’ve always wanted to try all the different types of food and visit historical sites as history has always been a massive interest of mine.

What have been your highlights and memorable moments so far with Bamara?

My biggest highlight would be meeting all the participants across the partnered schools and getting to know them.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve received?

Never give up.

What is your favourite thing about working for Bamara? 

Being able to come to work every day knowing that my traineeship is made easier to take on because of the help I have from the team here at our office.

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