Sophie’s Story of Career Growth and Cultural Preservation 

When Sophie commenced with TRACQS in April 2023, she was ready to take on the world. Despite having no work history and facing transport challenges, she was ready to do all she could to sharpen her skills and carve out a fulfilling career. 

TRACQS worked with Sophie and placed her in the Mantaka Community Garden Activity, which was not only accessible to her despite the transport barrier but also helped in laying the foundation for essential skills to progress with. 

After recognising her interest in hospitality, Sophie proactively requested a position as Café Assistant with Frogs Restaurant in Kuranda. This allowed her to acquire valuable skills and broaden her career opportunities, all whilst earning an income. 

Sophie received robust mentoring and support from TRACQS, including transport assistance and crucial pre-employment guidance. She learned how to report her earnings via MyGov and prepared for interviews through mock sessions.   

Through the TRACQS Learner Driver Activity, Sophie is also getting assistance in obtaining her Provisional Licence and is more than halfway through gaining all her required logbook hours.  

With her skills sharpened and confidence built, Sophie was ready to seize her career path. Sophie applied for a Trainee Ranger Role with Buda-Dji and was successful. She started in her new role in October 2023.   

Sophie has since completed her Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management with TAFE. Through her studies, she learned to read and interpret maps, conduct ecological and cultural site inspections, transport and store chemicals to name a few and also acquired her First Aid and CPR qualifications. 

Sophie has achieved a lot in such a short period of time; she is now employed with Buda Dji as a Senior Ranger. 

Sophie’s Post Placement Support Officer, Tamika Highbury, observed many significant positive changes in just the first six months of her employment under the Post Placement Support Program.  

“She has developed greater confidence in speaking and contributing during meetings, and her colleagues, the other Rangers, look up to her for her confidence and experience in the role,” Tamika said. 

Throughout her journey, she has gained a deeper understanding of her Djabugay Country, as well as the language and history of her Djabugay people.  

This newfound knowledge has inspired her to start her own project, aimed at the Djabugay elders from Mona Mona. She is collecting their stories about growing up in the area, how they lived, the food they hunted, and the gathering practices they employ to preserve this historical knowledge for younger generations. 

Sophie’s incredible ambition doesn’t stop there; she also plans to further contribute to her community by establishing a community group session for young people to learn about the Djabugay Country, culture, and history.  

She has expressed feeling fulfilled now that she is more knowledgeable and able to share insights about Aboriginal art, bush foods, medicinal plants, ceremonies, the wild landscapes of her Djabugay Country, and keeping her culture alive. Sophie also shared, 

“The Community Projects Program has taught me more work skills, connecting with the community and allowing me to connect with Country as well. The program gives the younger generation the opportunity to gain valuable skills,” 

Sophie is an inspiring young leader, and the team at TRACQS are beyond thrilled to see her thriving.  

About the Community Development Program (CDP) 

TRACQS is bringing local experience and knowledge to deliver the Community Development Program (CDP) proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). 

CDP is an employment program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to achieve sustainable employment outcomes by strengthening skills, addressing barriers and contributing to their communities through a range of flexible work-like activities.