BWM Dentsu team up with Swinburne University for Indigenous internship program
BWM Dentsu Group has launched its strategic partnership with Swinburne University which includes an internship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students looking to enter the creative and media industries.
The Indigenous internship is part of the group’s recently implemented Reconciliation Action Plan to help address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s creative and media industries.
The BWM Dentsu Melbourne RAP Launch (left to right): Jess Tarpey, Dwayne Good, Jessie Lloyd, Mission Songs Project and Aden Ridgeway
Belinda Murray, managing director of BWM Dentsu Melbourne, said: “We want to ensure the creative sector is a welcoming, dynamic, safe and nurturing environment for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. On top of this, we’re also excited to improve BWM Dentsu Group’s creative offering by opening ourselves up to the diversity of thinking that this talented group of young people will bring to the agency.
“Through this partnership with Swinburne University, we aren’t just helping young people find their feet in a new industry, we’re also helping our industry grow and thrive as a result of improved inclusion and diversity.”
Professor Andrew Gunstone, executive director of reconciliation strategy and leadership at Swinburne said: “Swinburne, and the Moondani Toombadool Centre, prides itself on its commitment to student success. This program presents a fantastic opportunity for Swinburne Indigenous students to gain exposure to the creative industry, while also aligning with Swinburne’s vision to create future-ready learners, and our RAP’s commitment to self-determination and reciprocity.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the BWM Dentsu Group to offer Swinburne Indigenous students such a wide and compelling range of opportunities. Together, we’re excited about creating experiences that extend student knowledge, bring Indigenous knowledge to industry, and foster understanding. Everyone benefits from that kind of partnership.”
Students involved in the program will begin their internship in January 2019 in the BWM Dentsu Group’s Melbourne office, and work across all the agencies in the BWM Dentsu Group which includes Haystac, Cox Inall Communications, Cox Inall Change, and Cox Inall Ridgeway. The group plans to roll out a similar program in its Sydney office later in 2019.
As part of the scheme, all agency staff will participate in cultural awareness training to increase their broader knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters, people, culture and heritage.
Bravo.
Brilliant initiative from BWM and Swinburne.
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We need more initiatives like this. Great start.
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Enriching for all parties and the industry itself. More of it!
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A very positive step in the right direction. Well done to all involved.
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