Julie Lumley first became aware of her Wiradjuri heritage in 2019. In the six years since she’s embraced her cultural background, she says she’s always felt an unexplained connection to certain places and people. 

Julie has just completed Moving the Mob program at the Nairm Marr Djambana gathering place in Frankston. The IntoJobs’ program, delivered by Mas National (both part of the IntoWork Group), is a six-day initiative which offers tools and techniques for finding sustainable employment, while also providing participants with a broader cultural experience.

“It’s been absolutely amazing. It really has. When our family discovered that we were Aboriginal, I’ve tried to make connections. Unfortunately those connections have been a challenge due to family politics, so I needed to find another way to connect. Through this program, I’ve been able to do that. It’s been fantastic in that way,” Julie said.

Julie was one of nine First Nations participants partaking in the third Moving the Mob program to be held in Frankston. A range of guest speakers covered topics such as Cultural Safety and Well-being, Life Skills & Essential Government Requirements, Financial Literacy and Employment Readiness.

Program facilitator Gloria Timbuleng said the breadth of the program content was designed to promote cultural connection as well as offering services and support to participants in preparation for employment.

“We didn’t want it to be like school structured learning. It’s very interactive and participants have the opportunity to contribute their own story within the structure of the course,” Ms Timbuleng said.

“We encourage everyone to understand more about their culture; getting to know who they are, where they came from and about their family history. One participant went home after a session and asked his grandmother about her upbringing. He came back the next day and said, ‘This is where I’m from!’. It was a good learning experience for the whole group.”

Besides connecting with their cultural identity, participants learnt techniques for building resilience, setting personal goals, addressing mental health challenges and understanding what to expect as a First Nations person in the workplace. They also completed an Aboriginal art project, learnt about native plants and took part in a cultural walk on local country.

On the final day, Julie signed up for a course in Community Services, with the aim of working to support First Nations youth. Another participant was referred to an offer of employment and several others have expressed interest in studying through Mas National’s registered training partners. Julie says the program has helped instill a sense of pride in her background and empowered her with the confidence to explore her employment options.

“The program has just introduced us to so many different services and encouraged us to feel proud of who we are and our history. It’s been empowering and informative and we’ve got something out of every single session,” Julie said.