Blazing a new path
DIESEL fitter William Matters was the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentice employed at the Hastings Deering Townsville workshop in 2017 and became an advocate for his culture.
Now a qualified field service fitter at the branch, Mr Matters has been recognised for promoting the resources sector as a career of choice for Indigenous people with a Queensland Resources Council Rising Star Award.
The awards recognise Indigenous participation and achievements within the sector, showcasing Indigenous role models and ambassadors.
Mr Matters has shared the award with emergency services officer Zharni Crossley from Weipa.
Working with heavy machinery has been a dream for Mr Matters since developing an interest in engines and trucks from a young age.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name out,” Mr Matters said.
“My dad flew to Brisbane with me and we were just overwhelmed. It was pretty emotional. Even when I was at school, I was always aware of being a role model and through my apprenticeship and award hope to continue to showcase work opportunities for young Indigenous people, along with helping break down barriers and preconceived perceptions.”
Mr Matters is a mentor in the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program and supports his alma mater with its Pride in Cultural Identity Program.
QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the door was wide open for more Indigenous people to follow trade and professional career paths in Queensland’s minerals and energy sector, with data revealing jobs for First Nations people increased by almost 16 per cent in 2020-21. Mr Macfarlane said the resources sector’s Indigenous employment rate had risen to a record 5.8 per cent, which was well above Queensland’s total Indigenous population rate of 4 per cent.
He said Queensland resources companies increased their spending with Indigenous businesses by more than 20 per cent last financial year to reach a record $82.7m as a result of a concerted effort to offer more business opportunities through their supply chains.
Hastings Deering general manager people and culture Peter Rigbye said they were thrilled with Mr Matters’s win. Mr Rigbye said Indigenous participation in the business continued to strengthen with over 13 per cent of recent apprentice applicants coming from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.