Why she chooses Powerlink to advocate for First Nations people
It was a matter of the right place and right time for Christy when she joined us in 2023 as a Cultural Heritage Officer. The role allowed Christy to combine her passion for empowering First Nations people with her thirst for knowledge. Now, as Indigenous Relations Advisor, Christy is enabling First Nations people to access opportunities on some of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects.
Unique work and much to learn
In every new job, there’s always something that surprises you. For Christy, it was learning that each giant transmission tower comes packaged for assembly in an unexpectedly small box, like flat-pack furniture.
“You just wouldn’t think it when you see the box that a 70-metre-tall tower could fit in there. But every last nut and bolt is inside. It’s amazing!” Christy marvels. “Looking back, I’d probably have become a linesperson if I’d known it was an option!”
Following a successful career in government, advocating for First Nations people, Christy embarked on a new challenge at Powerlink - her first role in the energy sector.
“It was a massive learning curve starting at Powerlink, and I became a bit of a nerd. I had a million questions about what we do and how it all works. Everything was just so interesting. I became one of those people who’d be out on a car ride with friends, and I’d be like, ‘See those big towers over there? That’s what we do!’ It was all just really exciting!”
Christy is fascinated with the industry now, but she hadn’t heard of Powerlink until 2022 when a friend encouraged her to apply. After completing an application out of curiosity, it didn’t take Christy long to decide we were the right team for her.
“In the interview, I learnt that Powerlink wants to engage with Traditional Owners differently by connecting much earlier and actually building relationships. At other organisations I've worked with, Traditional Owner groups haven’t been brought along on the journey from the beginning, and Powerlink wanted to change that. I thought, ‘What a wonderful concept.’ So, when the Cultural Heritage Officer role was offered to me, I went for it!”
New ways to preserve ancient heritage
Christy has, in her own words, “lived and breathed” cultural heritage her entire life. So, working with Powerlink to preserve cultural heritage in her former role was special.
“I’ve found Powerlink has been very open to suggestions on how we can work better with Traditional Owners. Since I started as a Cultural Heritage Officer, any ideas I’ve had about ways to work better or better engage have been welcomed. I’ve not really had that in any other jobs I’ve held. Here, people are so open to different ideas and ways in which we can work more positively.”
Christy says there’s nothing she enjoys more than getting out on country and connecting with Traditional Owners, so she can understand which sites have cultural heritage value and why. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person herself, it’s a personal and professional passion.
“Cultural heritage is important because of the knowledge that's been passed down by Elders for generations. I know how important it is for Traditional Owner groups to be able to keep the country healthy, safe and protected. When Traditional Owners see that Powerlink actually cares for the country and wants to work with them to preserve cultural heritage, it’s very positive.”
Future opportunities for communities
Now, as Indigenous Relations Advisor, Christy often meets with Traditional Owners on country. This means plenty of travel for Christy - anywhere between Townsville and Mt Isa. During such trips, Christy unpacks the business aspirations of each community and how Powerlink may be able to support them. This could mean looking at funding options to help people establish an office for a new organisation or exploring a variety of training options.
It’s a role that suits Christy to a T.
“I love doing this work because while there are challenges, the focus is on helping the community to grow their future economic base for the young ones. By coming in and saying, ‘Help us build the transmission lines,’ we’re offering work opportunities, and it also means people with cultural knowledge can be on the ground to help Powerlink navigate through areas of cultural significance.”
Looking ahead, Christy feels energised, knowing that by continuing to listen and collaborate respectfully with Traditional Owners, she's contributing to a future of greater possibilities.
“I’m hearing there’s a lot of aspirations for the next five to 10 years around what kind of businesses they want to develop for the country and the young ones. We’ve got a good basis for what we’re doing and how we engage with the community. It’s been wonderful. The way we work with Traditional Owner groups is helping to build trust.”