There are plenty of Aussie colloquialisms that we use every day but may not have ever given thought to where they came from. Take ‘Dorrie Evans’ for example. Dorrie was the interfering self-appointed concierge character in the 1970s hit television show, Number 96. Yet, most of us know it to mean to be someone who’s nosey or a ‘sticky beak’. In Murri or indigenous slang, Dorrie means to ‘take a look around’.
It’s why the PCCC (Port Curtis Coral Coast Aboriginal Peoples Charitable Trust) named their first nations career event, Dorrie Day. They could have gone for a traditional name like Bundaberg Jobs Expo, but that wouldn’t have done their event justice. It’s a laid back, fun-filled career day with a difference.
Dorrie Day is an out-of-the box, hands-on career event for students in years 6 to 12. Outdoors in the sunshine, they show indigenous youth the exciting opportunities that are available to them that they may not have considered in the past. It’s a relaxed, informal environment – outside the confines of four walls – to ask questions, think differently and understand the personal growth, pride and satisfaction they can gain from having a fulfilling career. It shows them work doesn’t have to be something dull, where you turn up just to earn a paycheque and go home. Dorrie Day is all about broadening minds and showing students they are capable of great things.
The event connects indigenous youth to potential employers and raises awareness among the business community of the cultural supports available to their young indigenous employees. Indigenous guest speakers share stories about their experiences in the workforce; pathways taken, opportunities gifted, and opportunities missed. It’s a candid conversation, baring all bones, talking about the real struggles that are faced and ways to overcome them in partnership with local businesses.
Dorrie Day isn’t focussed squarely on filling job vacancies. It’s about history, growth, dreams and change. PCCC’s aim is for students to leave the event, asking what their ideal future will look like as an individual, but also how do they see their collective future as a culture and local community.
Last year, more than 50 exhibitors attended and 40 students gained work experience from the event.
Dorrie Day is just one of the many programs and events run by PCCC that aim to improve the lives of Aboriginal people who belong to four local tribes. The PCCC oversee their native title, negotiate land use agreements and manage, invest and administer their funds in the way of education and training, cultural projects, elder assistance, sporting scholarships, and the like.
24th August – Bundaberg. 3rd August – Gladstone. Register your attendance as a student, school or exhibitor at www.pccctrust.com.au.
