Robert’s championing Bunbury’s emerging leaders
People like Robert Jones are a shining light in our community.
His story of transformation, his authenticity and his genuine passion for spreading cultural awareness and acceptance is what inspiration is made of.
A rocky start
Robert is the first to admit he started adulthood unsure of where he wanted to go.
Robert left high school after having completed only some of his secondary schooling via correspondence.
It was some time after he decided to start studying at TAFE to complete his high school qualifications. While he was still unsure what he wanted to do he knew he needed to at least close out this chapter to find out.
A transformation begins
During this time Robert was receiving support from his MAX team in Bunbury and as they provided health supports to help him manage his mental health, they joined his TAFE lecturers in championing Robert towards a career in education.
Cathleen shares from her perspective:
A passion is born
Robert found the course more enjoyable than he was expecting and understood the material more than he thought he would.
During his first prac at a local primary school, Robert was given the opportunity to be in the classroom, help run activities and help the students celebrate NAIDOC Week.
What Robert is good at, and what he’s passionate about is making sure all children feel capable and valuable and that’s what drives him in his new Education Assistant role at the school – a paid role he was offered after completing his Certificate III.
A celebration of cultures
Robert is also passionate about making sure children from different cultures and especially Indigenous cultures feel accepted and celebrated.
Robert himself comes from a blend of Koori, Indonesian and Italian heritage but spent much of his childhood immersed in Wardandi and Kaartdijin Noongar cultures.
As part of his mission to do just that, Robert is helping to bring Indigenous culture to life at the local primary school, showcasing artwork by local Indigenous artists and dances by local performers and connecting students with Noongar elders and language.
A future bright
As he reflects on his journey to date, Robert shares: “I’ve come from a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, I didn’t have any qualifications – and it’s all turned around very quickly.”
So what does the future look like for Robert? He’s started studying teaching at university while continuing to work in education support, championing the students while he completes his teaching degree.
Acknowledgement: We chatted with Robert in front of a large-scale public artwork by Indigenous artist, Troy Bennell. Troy welcomes visitors to join him for cultural tours of Bunbury. He can be found at Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours.
These murals are part of a public art trail in Bunbury. Find out more here: Street & Public Art - Visit Bunbury Geographe.
For more inspiring stories from Indigenous Australians read:
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