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Dave Arthurson is heading to Cape York in April…..

Text Box: Dave has worked at Westpac for 7 years and is participating in a secondment to Pormpuraaw, a remote location in Far North Queensland. Dave shares his thoughts with us about participating in the Cape York Program: What is your current role in Westpac? Lawyer in Westpac’s Institutional Bank What was it that inspired you to apply for the Cape York secondment? It’s been something I’ve been thinking about doing for a little while, and chatting to some previous secondees and doing some research the program sounds like the sort of thing that I wanted to get involved in: its community driven, the roles have a results focus and the experience of living up in a remote community sounded like a great experience. Vit’s presentation pretty much sealed the deal. What do you hope to get out of the secondment? Some fun, a tan and a bit of a “real” perspective of the problems facing people growing up in Cape York. Do you have any expectations? If so, what are they? I’ve been told to expect Mosquitoes. Lots of them. Otherwise I’m trying to keep a pretty open mind – though I suspect its not going to be as fast paced as Sydney and people will have very different attitudes to how and when things should be done. What do you think your daily routine will involve? I really have no idea. What do you think will be your greatest challenge? Five weeks isn’t a lot of time, and with all the infrastructural and other issues, both earning people’s trust and getting enough information to put together some meaningful recommendations in the time I’m up there is likely to be a real challenge. What are you most nervous about? The flight up. I’m a nervous flyer. What are you looking forward to the most? Getting there. What are you going to miss the most? Being able to swim at the beach without fear of crocodiles and bull sharks. How have others taken your decision to head off on a 5 week secondment to the isolated town of Pormpuraaw in the Cape York? My colleagues (and most importantly, my manager) have all been very supportive. They may think I’m a little mad though.

Your Committee Representatives:

Rachael Wade WBC

Guy Inder KPMG

Tom Collins WBC

Richard O’Brien WBC

Louise Adam WBC

Lisa Tubridy SGB

Ben Buchanan BCG

· Jawun membership is voluntary and open to all previous secondees of the IEP Program.

· All those people currently completing IEP secondments, will automatically become a Jawun member.

Currently we are looking for volunteers to:

1. Work with the AIME Management team in a Mentoring capacity.

2. Participate and contribute to the establishment of a Student Mentoring Program for Tranby College.

Please email us at : alumni@iep.net.au

Note: Please email the same address to opt out

Jawun Committee Member Testimonial

“I was quite unsettled when I returned to my work in my normal role post my secondment in Cape York. My manager recognised this and set me an objective: Explore and implement options to reduce ATM fees incurred by Westpac customers in Cape York. And a theme: using our resources and knowledge to resolve a larger problem. This objective is a measurable part of my annual appraisal. It costs my employer little, yet satisfies a need by recognising that continuing to work with the Cape York communities is important to me. I hope that the Alumni can allow myself and others the opportunity to continue supporting the Cape York communities; at the same time continuing to work for our corporate employers.

Richard O’Brien, Westpac, Kowanyama October 2008

Jawun email: alumni@iep.net.au