Community safety a great pathway for Indigenous employment

The stereotype of working in security, late night bars or kicking people out of pubs is long over. Wilson Security, a national leader in security and community safety business, have been challenging people’s perceptions of security as a career by showing the value and diversity of security roles in the community.

Many businesses employ community safety officers including the ATO, supermarkets, banks, shopping centres, youth clubs and local businesses.

Operations Manager, Christie Peterson said, “Often our employees both live and work in their communities. People know and recognise them and this works in a very positive way in promoting a sense of community safety.”

To bring people in to the industry, Wilson Security conducts a pre-employment program called ‘Making Tracks’, part of a RAP commitment to increase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation of its workforce.

The program runs for 4 weeks and gives people an insight into the industry, work on personal development, teamwork, leadership and comradery, before going on to complete a Certificate II in Security Operations.

In November 2020, Wilson Security delivered their Making Tracks Program in Townsville. Richard Kawane was one of 30 candidates looking for a new career, and through community led sponsorships with traditional owner rugby league teams, Richard saw Wilson Security as a new and exciting opportunity for him. MAX provided 10 people in to the program and 6 have started work.

Richard excelled and graduated from the course in December 2020, and was also identified as a natural leader and mentor amongst the group. Richard's background was within local government domestic violence and homelessness services, so has exceptional community support and understanding; allowing him to outreach and build nurturing and supportive relationships with other Wilson security team members.

Richard Kawane is now an active permanent security officer with Wilson Security at ATO Liverpool Place in Townsville and learning more skills whilst supporting the future generations of diverse security teams in Townsville. Richard is further supported by Alan Wood, who is the Site Supervisor ATO Liverpool Place, who also identifies as one of our first nations people.