Fujitsu launches First Nations-led pilot program with Queensland Government to promote digital inclusion

JAGERA AND TURRBAL LAND (BRISBANE), April 5, 2022—Fujitsu Australia today, together with the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and community, Queensland Department of Innovation, Tourism and Sport, and TAFE Queensland, opened a First Nations Service Centre to support the digital transformation of the Cherbourg community.

Located on Wakka Wakka Country in Cherbourg, an Aboriginal community town 260km north-west of Brisbane, the Service Centre is part of a three-year pilot program designed to boost the economic development of Queensland First Nations communities through digital skills training and employment opportunities.

The public-private partnership will see the Service Centre staff gain on-the-job training and work towards obtaining certification (Certificate III) from TAFE Queensland. In addition to supplying the equipment for the facility, Fujitsu will also offer its customers the opportunity to contribute by opting to have their support calls attended by staff from the Cherbourg Service Centre.

Fujitsu, together with the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and community, hopes to grow and increase awareness of the value that First Nations communities have in the talent market. As the foundation customer, Fujitsu encourages other corporates who are looking to create meaningful social impact and drive digital inclusion to consider the First Nations Service Centre.

Nicole Forrester, Head of Office of Purpose, Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, said, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including those in Cherbourg, have continued to demonstrate unmatched strength and resilience, and it’s time this value is recognised by corporate Australia. We’re immensely proud to collaborate with the Cherbourg Council and community to support them as they take hold of their future and leverage the industry-wide digital transformation brought on by COVID-19.”

“As a place-based inclusion model, this pilot maps a new way forward for how corporate Australia and government can work in collaboration with First Nations communities to develop capability building initiatives, work towards reconciliation and create social impact through digital inclusion. We’re excited to offer this service to our customers and work with all parties to ensure the pilot model becomes a competitive and permanent offering in the service centre market.”

Elvie Sandow, Mayor, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, said, “We’re pleased to see Fujitsu taking the lead in recognising the social and economic value of investing and partnering with First Nation communities like Cherbourg. As a community, we recognise the benefits of digital inclusion and the opening of the Service Centre is a natural extension of the digital journey we have already embarked on since the use of artificial intelligence at our waste recycling facility.”

Mary Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE Queensland, said, “This partnership is a tremendous acknowledgment of our commitment to training excellence and is a great example of how we are continuing to work with the industry to provide the skills needed to build lifelong careers and change lives. Whilst the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, it has also demonstrated how technology can create inclusion and equality irrespective of your location.”

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Stirling Hinchliffe said, “This pilot is another example of how the government’s Deadly Innovation Strategy continues to create pathways for First Nations people to build wealth and create jobs. As digital connectivity for First Nations improves, so do education outcomes, income potential and skilled jobs.”

All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.