The Aboriginal Pastoral Academy (the Academy) is a partnership between community, industry and government that aims to support employment pathways for Aboriginal people in the north-west pastoral industry. The Academy is predominantly funded by the State Government via the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Industry support is provided via the Academy Coordinator, who is employed by the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association.
The Academy partners with Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCO’s), who deliver pastoral pre-employment training programs. Successful training graduates are assisted with securing employment on participating stations. Both the graduate and their workplace receive intensive support for their first two seasons of employment.
The Academy is a successful collaboration between pastoral pre-employment programs run by Nyamba Buru Yawuru and East Kimberley Job Pathways.