This is Ashley Maroney. She’s currently studying for the Juris Doctor after finishing her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations.
During her The McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA internship at Gosnells Community Legal Centre (GCLC), Ashley worked on the development and drafting of the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
By the end of her internship Ashley had produced a draft of the RAP that was very close to being ready for approval and adoption by the management committee.
“The most rewarding element of my internship was feeling like I was a part of change, and that the change was also wanted,” said Ashley.
“I felt this as GCLC was very interested in creating an effective and appropriate Reconciliation Action Plan and were very open to the suggestions I made myself, and suggestions informed through discussions with organisations and people in the community…this was something I was very happy to be a part of.”
Ashley’s supervisor said, “Ashley’s concern was not the benefit she would receive, nor the opportunity the internship provided her. She was focused on the outcomes of the project and committed to the principles of the organisation and of the reconciliation journey.
“Ashley identifies as Aboriginal and brought her considerable experience and her unique insights into the local Aboriginal community and organisations to the task.”
Ashley’s work with GCLC led to the organisation nominating her for an Outstanding Intern of the Year Award.
GCLC’s main aim is to provide legal services to the most disadvantaged members of the Perth South East metropolitan area, and provides several services which are particularly relevant to the large Aboriginal community in the area.
“(My internship) showed me the path people may take in their organisations to better their engagement and connection with Indigenous communities and peoples, something which was really good to see,” said Ashley.
“This also further informed my aspirations of working in the political and/or legal environment, upholding and protecting rights for Indigenous peoples and other marginalised groups within society, such as refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
This story was created as part of the UWA Students #HumansofUWA project. View the original post here.