Alice Springs: A Land of Opportunities and Growth
Dee McCorkindale, the Employment and Training Manager at Tangentyere Employment Services in Alice Springs, has a wide depth of 28 years of experience living and working in Alice Springs. Founded 40 years ago, Tangentyere Council has been a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, working with every household in the Alice Springs Town Camps and more than 10,000 Aboriginal people from across Central Australia.
Dee, originally from New Zealand, spent two years working in hospitality in Tennant Creek and relocated to Alice Springs in 1996 with a career development opportunity with AU Post. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, each contributing to her deep understanding of the region and Indigenous culture.
After a decade with AU Post, Dee joined Centrelink, where she traveled around communities, assisting people in overcoming payment barriers. This role allowed her to engage with various stakeholders and community members, further deepening her connection with the region.
Dee’s journey continued with the Australian Government, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, where she worked in the Indigenous employment program. This role involved traveling to remote communities in the Central and Barkly regions, promoting Indigenous employment, and encouraging businesses to employ Indigenous people in training and employment. Working across these programs provided Dee with a better understanding of the region she’s been living in and respect and understanding of the Indigenous people and culture in this country.
Being an Indigenous herself, Dee found it easy to form relationships with communities. “You have something in common to start with, start the conversation, ask questions, and be invited. That’s a bonus”, she said.
Alice Springs has granted Dee opportunities to work and contribute to the community by connecting job seekers with training and employment, growing relationships, and becoming more involved.
Dee has been making tremendous efforts to create positive impacts on the Alice Springs community and develop the place-based program and tailored activities to meet the needs of each community and the interests of the job seekers and local industry.
This helps to give Town Campers more control over the delivery of the employment support programs, while job seekers are developing soft skills and greater self-confidence to better prepare for the workforce.
Dee’s story is a compelling example of the career opportunities and growth that Alice Springs offers. It’s a town where everyone can make a difference and contribute to the community.
We are proud to have Dee as a part of our Alice Springs community. She has gained significant achievements in her professional life and made tremendous contributions to our community. Her efforts have enriched our community, making it a better place to live, work and grow.
Chamber of Commerce NT