Image: UWA students Shrutika Bhagwat, Jason Nguyen, Kate Brennan, Layla Zhubayeva and Jing Yong (L-R, front row) with City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder staff Frances Liston, Executive Manager Governance and Risk Services, Andrew Brien, CEO, and Mia Hicks, Director Community Development (L-R, back row)
Five UWA students recently undertook internships supporting projects with the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, who partnered with UWA’s McCusker Centre for Citizenship for the first time.
Jason Nguyen, Jing Hao Yong, Kate Brennan, Layla Zhubayeva and Shrutika Bhagwat took on roles assisting with community development, property and people and culture initiatives with the City, contributing 100-hours each through the winter university break.
Shrutika, studying a Master of Business Psychology, worked with her supervisor to analyse a staff survey and develop a preliminary action plan in her role Psychological Safety Intern.
“A highlight was the confidence that my supervisor put in me; I was able to work on some important projects with her regarding psychosocial safety,” Shrutika said.
“Local government serves the community, so supporting the psychological safety of those who work for the community felt like a valuable contribution,” she said.
“I also developed resources to spread awareness about psychosocial hazards and safety and had the opportunity to attend the Kalgoorlie Youth Awards and staff meetings at the City.
Jing Hao Yong is studying Marine Science and put his transferable skills to the test with a community development role.
“I assisted with the creation of an overarching community framework of the different action plans and strategies the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has in place,
“With this framework, the City will be able to gain a clearer overview of all the different plans and strategies at a quick glance, and align new planning to their vision,” Jing said.
“The internship opened my eyes to the opportunities available in smaller cities and towns outside of Perth, and allowed me to experience a close-knit regional community,” he said.
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder CEO, Andrew Brien, reflected positively on the partnership and the intern’s achievements.
“Through their individual projects, they actively contributed to our city's development while gaining invaluable real-world experience.
“The energy and ideas brought by these interns positively impacted our projects; they were able to collaborate with staff and stakeholders from across the organisation, and it was great to see them immerse themselves in our community and workplace improvement initiatives,” he said.
“We hope they have not only learned about the intricacies of Local Government but also gained an insight into what's like working and living in our beautiful and unique regional city.”