Indigenous planning graduate named intern of the year
Inspired to pursue a career in town planning during high school, Tayla Rae turned her passion for geography into a flourishing career in the sector.
A participant of the CareerTrackers program which links Indigenous students with employers to participate in paid, multi-year internships, she was named the organisation’s NSW and ACT Intern of the Year for 2023.
Following an intensive internship, the twenty-two-year-old from Sydney’s south-west was appointed a Planning Officer with the Greater Cities Commission.
“It was an honour to be recognised as the CareerTrackers NSW and ACT Intern of the Year. I am grateful to the amazing team I have joined at the Greater Cities Commission who nominated me for the award,” said Tayla.
A graduate of Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Planning gaining experience in the private sector, local government and state government during her studies, Tayla also completed a Masters of Urban Management and Planning at the University.
“Last year I started a planning officer position at the Greater Cities Commission which is focused on delivering the Western Parkland City Plan. It is an amazing opportunity to develop my skills in strategic planning assisting in the future planning and vision of the growth of the Western Parkland City,” she said.
“The work also gives me the opportunity to develop the skills and understanding of how planning can inform First Nations outcomes in the urban and natural environment linking to my thesis research on the management and planning of floodplains and sharing knowledge of the landscape and ways to care for Country.”
CareerTrackers, a national not-for-profit, aims to empower First Nations educational and career success through world-class pathway programs.
The program supported Tayla as an intern with the Greater Cities Commission since 2020, with sister Kiralee following in her footsteps and interning with the Department of Planning and Environment in 2022.
“These internships led me to gain part-time work throughout my university studies, allowing me to complete my studies while gaining industry experience which helped improve my understanding of the university content and develop the practical application of theoretical knowledge.”
Tayla’s advice to aspiring Indigenous planners is to network within the planning industry during your university studies.
“This could involve looking for opportunities with local or state governments as student planners or reaching out to the private sector with an interest in the projects they are working on. There are also opportunities to join your local councils' independent planning panel or opportunities at a local and state level to join youth panels that inform the future of communities.”
ENDS
4 May 2023
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