The Murra Program is opening new doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by creating supportive pathways into successful careers in the Australian Public Service (APS). This pilot initiative ensures each student receives tailored support, mentorship, and opportunities aligned with their personal aspirations.
Hosted by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), the Murra Program pilot includes learning sessions on essential workplace topics such as teamwork, effective communication, and career development. This collaborative effort has created a rich learning environment for both students and their DEWR colleagues.
For Amy, a current student in the program, the experience has been a positive and welcome introduction to the APS. She shared that the program helped her understand how she could contribute to the APS and grow professionally. The support from her supervisor and colleagues across the department made her feel confident and valued.
“For me, the Murra Program has been an incredible opportunity, supportive while completing my studies at university and providing learning opportunities that have opened my eyes to a future in the APS. I’ve made incredible connections, strengthened my skills, and received invaluable knowledge through the people I’ve met, the program’s Journey Sessions, and from First Nations Stewards. My confidence has grown both personally and professionally and I never question how valued I am as a DEWR member, which is unlike any work experience I’ve had in the past,” she said.
In just over a year, the Murra Program has placed 13 students into roles in government departments. Feedback from these students has directly informed the development of more tailored supports and opportunities. The initiative has also fostered a culture of learning and inclusion across DEWR, with staff actively contributing to student development.
The Murra Program is a pilot initiative designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their early career journeys, offering them a pathway into the Australian Public Service.
The program’s person-centred approach transforms the department’s engagement with, and support of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program takes on a personalised onboarding approach, with program officers working closely with the students to ensure a smooth and seamless process.
The Ngunnawal word “Murra”, meaning Pathway, pays homage to the Country on which the program was established and evokes a journey of connection, knowledge, and career development in the APS.
Staff from across DEWR contribute their time and expertise to support students in the Murra Program. Their involvement has been instrumental in shaping the program’s success and ensuring students feel welcomed and empowered. For Maddi, supervising a student through the Murra Program was a privilege that strengthened connection and pride.
“The Murra Program has shown what’s possible when support is tailored and culture is central. It has created meaningful opportunities for our student intern to develop skills, build confidence and celebrate their culture with pride. As a First Nations person, I feel more connected and proud of the APS we are building,” Maddi said.
The Murra Program has already achieved strong outcomes. Thirteen students have been placed in roles, and their feedback has helped refine the program’s approach. The initiative has also strengthened DEWR’s culture of inclusion, with staff actively supporting student development and learning. It’s been an important initiative said DEWR Assistant Secretary Henry Carr.
“The Murra Program is more than a pilot—it’s a blueprint for how the APS can better enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. With strong outcomes already achieved and strong support from staff and students alike, the program is paving the way for a public service that reflects the diversity and strength of the communities it serves,” he said.
The Murra Program contributes to Closing the Gap outcomes 3 – Transforming Government Organisations and 7 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.
You can enquire about the Murra Program here Murra.Program@dewr.gov.au
Murra Program participants, L-R Mackenzie, Amelia (Lia), Ngioka, Kyah, Grace, Zak, Amy