GADENS CELEBRATES INDIGENOUS INTERNSHIP MILESTONE

GADENS Queensland has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Indigenous Intern Program with a keynote speech by Justice Anthe Philippides at a function to celebrate the landmark occasion.

Launched in 2007 under patronage from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations, the initiative has to date supported the careers of 23 Indigenous university students through internships.

Justice Philippides said the program highlights the firm's commitment to supporting Indigenous Australians.

"In providing these internships, Gadens has demonstrated a genuine commitment to Indigenous advancement," she said.

Gadens also aligned with CareerTrackers in 2013, a non-profit organisation which supports pre-professional students and links them with private sector employees through paid multi-year internships.

The partnership is focused on converting internships into full-time employment opportunities for students.

Gadens reaffirmed its pledge to CareerTrackers last year by becoming a signatory its 10/10 program - a commitment to provide internship opportunities that adhere to Learning Contracts for Indigenous students for a period of 10 years.

Students Kathryn Dorante, Zachary Frazer, Mikaela French, Chloe Heterick, Suzie Howard and Liam Roberts are the current cohort of students undertaking Gadens' Indigenous Intern Program.

Dorante, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Laws (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology, says she is thankful for the opportunity to begin building her post-study career through the program.

"The CareerTrackers program has strongly enhanced my university experience and heightened my ambition and drive to succeed," says Dorante.

"I feel fortunate to be offered an internship at such a successful and respected firm like Gadens."

Throughout the past decade, Gadens has involved Indigenous students within a range of practice groups including banking & finance, corporate advisory and property & construction.