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Indigenous Career Ambassadors
Ms Anita Summers
Centrelink
‘In the early 1990s I met an Area Deputy Manager and he was an Aboriginal man. I remember thinking ‘wow how deadly is that’. He took the time to talk to all the Aboriginal staff about career planning. I remember listening to every word he said and took up the challenge.’
My current role is a Strategic Programme Manager for the National Indigenous Services Branch, Centrelink. I enjoy this role because I have the opportunity to provide input that can influence the way in which our organisation improves service delivery to Indigenous communities and customers.
I came to the APS with a background of community governance and a Secretarial Diploma. I now possess a lot of skills that I share with Aboriginal community organisations, especially in the fields of strategic management and budget preparation. I feel I am valued and that I do make a difference for our people.
I have been in the APS for nearly 18 years now. I have had a range of duties starting at ASO1 through to the EL2 level. I have experienced some highlights and disappointments during my APS career. I am willing to share these experiences on how I managed these situations to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people either stay in the APS or embark on a career with the APS.
I have a five-year career plan. This Ambassadors campaign has already invigorated my commitment to achieve these goals. It is about walking the talk! If I am out in our communities saying challenge yourself, make a difference and achieve your goals, I need to lead by example. I can safely say I am a work in progress.
I am so lucky to have a number of mentors both within the APS and my Aboriginal community who encourage me, inspire and keep me humble. My mentors have been with me every step of my entire career.
Talk to us
Email us to find out more about the Indigenous Career Ambassador campaign or ask Anita a question about her career
Listen to Anita
(mp3 1.4mb)
Listen to Andrea, Phyllis, Sharon, Matt and Anita
(mp3 4.9mb)
