NSW: Aboriginal girl wins Macquarie Bank cadetship
By Sheree Went
SYDNEY, Aug 6 AAP - The grandmother of indigenous university student Simone Collier"never thought in a million years" she would get inside the plush Sydney offices of MacquarieBank.
But she was there today as her granddaughter became the first ever indigenous cadetto be employed by the bank, one of the largest in Australia's financial sector.
Having worked as a domestic servant since leaving a Parramatta girls home aged 14,Marian Karberg said seeing her granddaughter - now in her third year of a law degree atWollongong University - was a proud moment.
"Well I never would have dreamt it," Mrs Karberg told AAP.
"I have passed this bank many times and I never thought in a million years that I wouldbe sitting up here."
Ms Collier, 20, who was dux of her year at Wollongong High School, thanked the bankfor selecting her for the cadetship which is provided through the federal government'sNational Indigenous Cadetship Program.
The program offers an introductory career path for Aboriginal people into senior rolesin finance.
She acknowledged the role her family has played in her academic success but said moreprograms would undoubtedly improve the lot of Aboriginal people.
"My mum's a teacher, she has a masters degree and she came from my nanna who doesn'thave any school at all and really my grandma is probably the most intelligent person Iknow," Ms Collier said after accepting the award.
Federal Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott said he hoped the programwould lead to more indigenous Australians considering a career in banking and management.
"I think it would be fair to say the experience of indigenous Australia has not normallybeen marked by access to the great portals of financial power represented by MacquarieBank," Mr Abbott said.
"I look forward to the day when no-one is surprised to see an indigenous merchant banker.
"I think we will know that reconciliation has been achieved when that day comes."
AAP swe/hn/lb/jlw
KEYWORD: INDIGENOUS (PIX AVAILABLE)
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