First Nations
First Nations Collaboration and Advisory services
Yanun fosters meaningful partnerships that drive lasting change. With a commitment to cultural heritage and economic inclusion, we integrate First Nations perspectives while ensuring positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes. Through collaboration, advocacy, and employment pathways, we create long-term opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Engagement with First Nations communities and businesses
Culturally responsive project delivery
Advocacy for Indigenous employment and economic inclusion
Advisory services for Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations and Traditional Owner groups
Award Winning First Nations Development and Pathway Program
Our commitment to mentorship, cultural guidance, and career development helps create meaningful opportunities and pathways for long-term success. Yanun’s UNESCO award-winning First Nations Pathway program is dedicated to creating sustainable training and employment pathways for First Nations people. By offering cadetship-style, on-the-job training in project management and project controls, we empower participants with valuable skills and formal qualifications while providing mentorship and cultural connection support. Through strategic partnerships with host organisations in industries like defence, construction, and international development, our program supports the personal and professional growth of First Nations individuals.
Participants complete a Certificate IV in Project Management or Project Controls while developing real-world expertise. With a deep understanding of the challenges often faced by First Nations people, Yanun ensures that each participant is supported every step of the way.
We believe in the power of good-quality jobs to uplift individuals and inspire communities, and through our program, we are building brighter futures for First Nations people while contributing to positive, lasting change in the workforce and broader society.
This pathway is effective in large government agencies, multinationals, or medium to large projects where trainees can integrate into their host organisation and receive adequate support in their learning journey.
From Opportunity to Achievement: A First Nations Pathway Story
From Opportunity to Achievement: A First Nations Pathway Story
Meet Erik Gowin – First Nations Trainee Project Administrator
Erik Gowin, a proud Paakantji man—People of the River—is one of Yanun’s newest First Nations trainees, embarking on an exciting journey into project management. Before joining Yanun, Erik worked in customer service at Bunnings, where he developed strong communication skills, a customer-focused approach and a fondness for the construction industry. Seeking a career with long-term opportunities, he stepped into a Project Administrator role, gaining hands-on experience while completing a Certificate IV in Project Management.
Through a partnership between Yanun, KBR, and SA Water, Erik provides project administration support within SA Water’s Capital Delivery team. As a Paakantji man, whose people have lived alongside the rivers for generations, working with SA Water holds deep significance.
“The thing I love about SA Water is working for a not-for-profit organisation that is community-driven and supplies the most important resource of all—water.”
In his role, Erik assists project managers with meeting coordination, procurement, site safety walks, and the preparation of detailed documents. He is ambitious about his future and eager to take on greater responsibilities as he progresses in his career.
“In the future, I hope to step into a junior project manager role and eventually lead my own projects.”
His journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and cultural support in creating meaningful career pathways for First Nations people. His dedication and enthusiasm are already making an impact, and we are excited to see him grow into a confident and capable project professional.
Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) – Capability Development Plan
Client: Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC)
Project Value: Undisclosed
Engaged by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Yanun is supporting the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) to maximise proceeds from land sales, for the benefit of future generations. Our services include establishing a comprehensive investment approach, workshop facilitation, community information sessions, capability development planning, and strategic acquisition planning. These efforts aim to ensure sustainable and impactful use of the funds, fostering long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits for the Kaurna community.
Yalu Community development project
Client: Yalu Aboriginal Corporation
Project Value: Undisclosed
Yanun is proud to support Yalu Aboriginal Corporation in advancing its vision for infrastructure and programs that enhance the social and physical well-being of the Yolŋu community in East Arnhem Land. This project focuses on delivering safe spaces and transition housing for children in out-of-home care, mental health and trauma recovery services, and sustainable housing solutions for staff and transitional residents. Rooted in strong governance and practical solutions, our partnership will help bring Yalu’s aspirations to life, ensuring lasting benefits for children, families, and the broader community.
Divestment of National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Limited
Client: Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC)
Project Value: Undisclosed
Yanun supported the divestment of National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) Limited, a vital community and cultural hub dedicated to First Nations excellence. Our role includes providing strategic guidance and project management services to ensure a smooth transition while prioritising the interests of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The divestment process focused on maintaining the integrity of NCIE Limited’s mission, securing sustainable outcomes for its programs, and ensuring its facilities continue to serve and empower First Nations people.
John Dillion & Meryl Williams Fellowship Project
Client – Tetra Tech International Development for Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Yanun provided program management support to the prestigious Meryl Williams Fellowship (MWF). The program supports female agricultural researchers across the Indo-Pacific to improve their leadership and management skills. The Fellowship aims to contribute to more secure food systems by providing women in agricultural science with greater access to the resources and capacity-building initiatives that lead to improvements in decision-making, building collaborative networks, and supporting career advancement to drive institutional progress towards gender equity.
Evolving With Purpose: The Meaning Behind Yanun’s Brand Evolution
Evolving With Purpose: The Meaning Behind Yanun’s Brand Evolution
Most people from Indigenous communities don’t realise that there are opportunities for them outside of industries where they see most of their family and friends work. I want to show them that the corporate world isn’t closed to them.
David Mallett, Yanun Founder and Executive Director
