Eleven participants have graduated from the latest Kuwa Circles program, completing a three-week intensive journey designed to strengthen cultural connection, build confidence and prepare for future employment opportunities.
Delivered in partnership with Workskil Australia for the past three years, this year's program marked the fifth Kuwa Circles cohort and focused on career pathways within the arts sector.
The program began by establishing a strong cultural foundation, with participants exploring cultural identity, kinship, leadership and community expectations.
Throughout the first week, participants gained insight from Indigenous filmmaker Josh Trevorrow, who shared his personal journey and offered a preview of an upcoming Adelaide Film Festival feature.
They also took part in a creative arts workshop with Pat Caruso and experienced a cultural tour of the Adelaide Botanic Garden guided by Kuma Kaaru.
The focus shifted in week two to wellbeing, work readiness and future career pathways.
Crows players Wayne Milera and Callum Ah Chee joined participants for a Q&A session, sharing the discipline, resilience and healthy habits that have helped shape their careers both on and off the field.
In week three, participants explored the breadth of opportunities available across the arts industry through visits to the Adelaide Festival Theatre and Rising Sun Pictures.
The experience highlighted the many careers that exist behind the scenes in theatre, film and visual effects.
Adelaide Football Club First Nations Programs Manager Jeremy Johncock said exposing participants to these opportunities was one of the program's most valuable outcomes.
"Seeing the employment opportunities behind the scenes in the arts industry was a real eye-opener for the Kuwa Circles participants," Johncock said.
The final week centred on employment readiness, with participants developing resumes, practising interview techniques and receiving feedback to help build confidence before meeting potential employers.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Adelaide Oval, attended by employers from the arts sector and a range of other industries.
For many participants, the achievement extended beyond earning a certificate. It marked the first time they had committed to and completed a program from start to finish.
"It was great to celebrate what they achieved," Johncock said.
"Some came into the program unsure of what they would gain from the experience. To see them fully embrace the opportunity, grow in confidence and develop a genuine desire to work was incredibly rewarding.
"For some participants, it was the first program they had completed in its entirety. Those are important milestones and achievements that deserve to be recognised and celebrated."
Alex Apostolakis, General Manager Youth, Justice and Industry, Workskil Australia said Kuwa Circles is about creating culturally safe spaces where First Nations people can build confidence, explore their strengths and connect employment and training opportunities in a meaningful and practical way.
“Through the power of culture, creativity, and community partnerships, we are enabling participants to explore possibilities, build connections and see a future for themselves in pathways they may not have previously considered,” Apostolakis said.
“We’re proud to partner with the Adelaide Crows Foundation to deliver a program that celebrates culture and the strengths of First Nations people.”
Through its partnership with Workskil Australia, Kuwa Circles continues to help participants strengthen their connection to culture, discover new career possibilities and build the practical skills and confidence needed to take the next step toward employment.
