From the MCG to CVGT

By Bree Harding

Jun 4, 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 by Supplied

He once kicked goals on the biggest AFL stage at the MCG, and now former West Coast Eagles player and Norm Smith medallist Peter Matera has committed to helping Indigenous job-seekers kick their own employment goals in the Goulburn-Murray area.

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The Noongar man has taken up the role of Indigenous employment co-ordinator at CVGT Employment, where he hopes to foster solid reciprocal, long-term relationships and partnerships with Indigenous organisations to provide essential support to Indigenous jobseekers.

“Peter’s appointment marks a significant step in our Reconciliation Action Plan aspiration to build responsive, relevant and trusting relationships with Indigenous participants,” CVGT Employment chief executive officer Jason Russell said.

CVGT Employment is a not-for-profit, for-purpose employment service that delivers state and federally funded government programs across NSW, Tasmania, and Victoria.

“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.”

The Indigenous employment support program attributes its success to working closely with Indigenous communities, strengthening participants’ knowledge and skills, and empowering 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.”

Mr Matera will be based in Echuca, supporting CVGT Employment’s Goulburn Murray footprint and helping staff better service Indigenous jobseekers across the organisation.

“Our purpose at CVGT Employment is to connect more people to meaningful work,” Mr Russell said.

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

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

For more information about CVGT Employment, phone 132 848 or visit cvgt.com.au