In June, I had the opportunity to travel to the Pilbara to spend some valuable time with one of our long-standing clients, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC). Although the primary aim of the visit was to provide interactive training to the Management Leadership Group (MLG), I was also privileged to attend their Annual All-Staff Meeting.

It was wonderful to have the chance to run a tailored, face-to-face workshop on Managing People with Confidence, having worked with KNAC over the past two years to set up and strengthen their HR function, implement and optimise their HRIS and develop solid people processes.

The workshop, co-designed specifically for KNAC Managers, examined the organisation’s Performance, Planning & Review process and employed practical and interactive scenarios to enable managers to confidently distinguish between poor performance and misconduct while also understanding the correct and compliant procedures for handling each situation.

At the two-day All-Staff Meeting, the whole team came together to hear updates and motivational presentations from each department, giving a strong indication of KNAC’s vision, purpose and the wonderful results being obtained for the Nyiyaparli people and community.

A major highlight for me was the chance to take part in a Nyiyaparli language lesson given by two Nyiyaparli Senior Speakers. I really enjoyed the opportunity to experience the language firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation of its significance. Congratulations to KNAC on its Nyiyaparli Living Language Project, as it is helping to preserve, revitalise and pass on the language to future generations and ensuring that this valuable cultural knowledge continues to thrive.

When I left the Pilbara, I was full of inspiration, not just by the stunning scenery but also by the dedication shown by the people I work with and have built relationships with. There is something incredibly valuable to gain after experiencing an organisation in its own environment. Experiences like this trip remind me why I enjoy what I do every day. The deeper my understanding about an organisation and the people who make it what it is, the better I can support them.