Mum to 46 returns to her Centrelink role

Queensland Media Release
Monday, 25 January 2010

Indigenous officer Linda Biumaiwai has returned to her Centrelink role on the Gold Coast after spending almost 4 years nurturing the career paths of 46 young Queenslanders.

4 years ago, Linda read about a new initiative between Sea World Resort and the former Department of Education, Science and Training to develop a program offering traineeships to Indigenous young people.

Linda was happy in her role at Centrelink, but relished the chance to help teenagers change the course of their lives so she applied for the position of program coordinator.

"I initially applied but then thought about pulling out because I loved my job at Centrelink and I had second thoughts about leaving," Linda said.

"But luckily Centrelink agreed I would gain many skills from the coordinator’s position that would not only benefit me when I returned, but Centrelink customers and staff as well.

"So when I was offered the job, I took leave of absence from Centrelink."

As the coordinator, Linda became a mother figure to 46 young trainees who came from as far as Bundaberg to learn about the hospitality industry and graduate with a Certificate 3 in Hospitality Operations.

"Many of them got homesick as it was the first time some of them had lived away from home,” Linda said.

"But it was so rewarding to see them grow and achieve new skills they could take back to their communities and use the experience to start a whole new career.

"Some have gone on to be accepted into University while others have been offered other scholarships."

Linda is now using the experience to enhance her role at Centrelink.

"Knowing the work I did then has helped the community is very rewarding, but I chose to come back to Centrelink because I can continue to help others," Linda said.

"But I miss those kids, they’re my family."

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.