University of Newcastle and CareerTrackers launch partnership for Indigenous students

The University of Newcastle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with national not-for-profit CareerTrackers, formalising a partnership designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into structured internships, career pathways and leadership opportunities.

CareerTrackers partners with more than 200 leading employers across the country to create paid internship and employment pathways for First Nations university students. The MOU was officially launched at an event held at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, the home of Indigenous education, research and student support at the Newcastle campus, with students, alumni, university staff and industry partners attending.

Anaiwan woman and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) student Hannah Cooper, who has interned at Goodstart Early Learning Centre during three summer breaks through the program, said juggling studies, networking and work prospects could be challenging, but the support of the Wollotuka Institute and CareerTrackers had allowed her to thrive and gain real-world experience while completing her degree.

“Juggling studies, networking and work prospects can be really challenging, but with the help and support of the Wollotuka Institute and CareerTrackers, I’ve been able to thrive and get real-world experience all while finishing my degree” Hannah said.

Hannah was recently recognised with the Project Excellence Award at the 2026 CareerTrackers National Gala Awards. She is in her final year of study and said the experience had been meaningful, encouraging other First Nations students to get involved.

“It’s been such meaningful work and I encourage all other First Nations students to get involved, you’ve got nothing to lose and plenty to gain,” Hannah said.

CareerTrackers Chief Executive Officer Adam Davids said education was the foundation but opportunity was the bridge, and the formal partnership with the University of Newcastle would ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students had a clear, supported pathway into leadership roles.

“By formalising our partnership with the University of Newcastle, we are ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have more than just a degree – they have a clear, supported pathway into leadership,” Mr Davids said.

Under the agreement, CareerTrackers and the University of Newcastle will collaborate on program promotion, on-campus engagement, joint events and regular reporting to strengthen student participation in internships and employment pathways, with a shared focus on increasing opportunities in high-demand fields such as STEM, business, law and media.

Bandjin woman and Head of the Wollotuka Institute, Loren Collyer, said the collaboration strengthened a shared commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education, culture and career development, helping them access opportunities aligned with community aspirations.

“This collaboration strengthens our collective commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education, culture and career development” Ms Collyer said.

The partnership comes amid renewed national focus on Indigenous education and employment outcomes, with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap targeting parity in tertiary qualifications and employment for First Nations Australians. Indigenous Procurement Policy reforms also take effect on 1 July 2026, requiring businesses accessing the policy to be at least 51 per cent First Nations owned and controlled, with the Commonwealth procurement target lifting to 3.25 per cent for the 2026–27 period.

For students like Hannah Cooper, the formal agreement represents more than an administrative milestone — it is a signal that the university is committed to building the structures and relationships that make First Nations career success possible.