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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can seize the opportunity to apply for a new Tweed Shire Council and Griffith University town planning career development program that offers financial and cultural support.
Applications are open from today (Wednesday 13 April 2022) until 12 noon sharp on Friday 13 May 2022.
Council’s Director Planning and Regulations Vincent Connell said the program aims to help increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander town planners locally and Australia-wide by serving as a model that other universities and councils could adopt.
“First Nations people are under-represented in town planning across the country,” Mr Connell said.
“Councils are major employers of town planners in regions throughout Australia – if we work with universities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, we can redress this situation.
“A more diverse profession is a stronger and more effective profession.”
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Town Planner Development Program, jointly run by Tweed Shire Council and Griffith University, provides First Nations people with the opportunity to receive financial and career support during their university studies.
One successful applicant will be selected to study the Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus in Southport, with Griffith University providing a scholarship towards fees.
For up to 4 years during their studies, they will work in a paid job the equivalent of one day a week for the Planning and Regulation Division of Tweed Shire Council in Murwillumbah.
Griffith University Director Cities Research Institute Paul Burton encouraged First Nations people who are interested in studying and forging a professional career in town planning to apply.
“From day one, you’ll be immersed in the world of town planning, with your education and work experience equipping you with the knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to making our region a great place to live, work and play,” Professor Burton said.
“Once they complete the program, we hope to put out another call for people to apply for the program.”
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Town Planner Career Development Program is supported by Griffith University’s GUMURRII Student Success Unit and the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council.
For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/town-planner-program.
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