Indigenous Employment Program

Charles is a father of three who was born and raised in Melbourne. He comes from two very big families, descendents of the Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri and Gunnai peoples. After working in Aboriginal employment both locally and nationally for several years, Charles has helped grow Crown's Indigenous Employment Program (IEP).

"From what I can tell, and what I've been able to identify, over the last 14 years, Crown has had less than 5 Aboriginal employees. In the last 12 months, we've employed 30 Aboriginal people of which we've still got a high retention rate. To me, that's a massive difference in terms of opening up doors and recognising the Aboriginal talent pool."

Charles is proud to be part of Crown's IEP and relishes the opportunity to give back to his community. His family thinks it's great that a company like Crown is so dedicated to Indigenous employment and that the program has been so successful.

"I couldn't work in this job unless my heart and soul were invested in it. Crown is by far the best employer I have ever worked for and I am made to feel confident in the decisions we make as a team for the success of the program."

There were few career opportunities for Mariah in Echuca so she applied for a role at Crown. After securing the right position she braved a big move to Melbourne in 2010 and hasn't looked back since.

"I never thought I'd move down to Melbourne at my age, but I'm glad I did. I really love it."

Mariah didn't have any prior experience in the industry but since joining Crown as a Food & Beverage trainee she's getting hands on experience, learning skills and even gained a nationally recognised qualification through Crown College.

"It's a great opportunity. I've had the chance to practise things and that's been really helpful and increased my confidence."

The experience of moving to Melbourne and working in teams has given Mariah the chance to meet new people and experience an exiting working environment.

"It's so multicultural and I love knowing about other people. I'm just starting to be out there, talking to different sorts of people. I've made some good friends too. There's no issue with being an Aboriginal person working at Crown, either. I love being who I am."

Born and raised in Thornbury, Graham was working as a YMCA lifeguard when he heard of opportunities at Crown.

"I knew Charlie (Charles Williams) from around the community. He asked me whether I was interested in working in security at Crown and it went from there."

Graham has had the opportunity to learn on the job through formal training and hands on experience.

"You're well trained before you start and once you're working, you're always in a different part of the complex so it's never the same. Also, there are cameras everywhere and you're never by yourself, so you feel safe."

The experience of working in security at Crown has enabled Graham to develop both professionally and personally.

"I think I've become more mature and more responsible than I was. I'm happy to work on weekends. My family and friends really respect what I do and that feels good."