Peter Matera joins CVGT to boost Indigenous employment in Victoria

By Contributed

Jun 6, 2024

Former AFL West Coast Eagles player and Noongar man Peter Matera has stepped into a new role at CVGT Employment to deliver a game-changing approach to Indigenous employment services in northern Victoria’s Goulburn Murray Region. Photo: Supplied Photo by Supplied

In the new chapter of his career, ex-AFL West Coast Eagles player and proud Noongar man Peter Matera has joined CVGT Employment.

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His mission? To transform Indigenous employment services in the Goulburn Murray region of northern Victoria.

Taking the reins as Indigenous employment co-ordinator, Mr Matera will be key in forging enduring, mutually beneficial alliances with Indigenous bodies.

These partnerships aim to bolster Indigenous jobseekers.

CVGT Employment, a non-profit entity, manages state and federally funded employment initiatives across NSW, Tasmania and Victoria.

CVGT Employment chief executive Jason Russell underscored the importance of Mr Matera’s new role.

Mr Russell said the appointment was a significant stride in CVGT’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The goal is to foster responsive, pertinent and trust-based relationships with Indigenous participants.

“What we’re trying to achieve here is trust, connection and support for our Indigenous participants,” Mr Matera said.

“Throughout my career on and off the field, I’ve been passionate about creating positive and meaningful change for Indigenous Australians.

“Working for CVGT Employment is the next step in that journey.”

CVGT Employment’s Indigenous Employment Support program attributes its success to working closely with Indigenous communities to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills and empower them to make their own decisions about future employment opportunities.

“I want Indigenous participants to further their careers. To realise the benefits of having a job and financial security,” Mr Matera said.

“I’m someone who understands the challenges you might be facing, and I’m here to have a yarn, get to know you and connect you to the community.”

Based in Echuca, Mr Matera will support CVGT Employment’s Goulburn Murray footprint as well as provide support to staff to better service Indigenous jobseekers across the organisation.

Mr Russell said the purpose of CVGT Employment was to “connect more people to meaningful work”.

“We work closely with businesses and industry every day to build inclusive practices, improve equality and ensure every person has access to employment,” he said.

“With Peter now working as part of our Indigenous employment team, our vision to ‘open doors — create amazing futures’ is strengthened.”