Because of Her, We Can with Christine Ross - Aboriginal Employment Specialist
“A leader is someone who takes others on the journey with them, they empower their team and constantly encourage them to perform to their best ability”
Christine Ross is a proud Arrernte-Eastern Arrernte-Kaytetye woman born in Alice Springs, raised in Darwin, moved to Perth 18 years ago and is now the Managing Director of her own consultancy, Christine Ross Consultancy.
Last year Christine was invited to be the Acting CEO of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA), an opportunity that not only broadened her skills and knowledge but more importantly connected her with the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner who visited Australia and travelled the country with her to meet other proud Aboriginal women working to make a difference to the world, one person at time.
What’s one of your greatest accomplishments and what impact did it have on you, others, society or the world?
I always wanted to run my own consultancy, but I was never in a position to do it. I was a single mum needing a consistent income. It was only when I was made redundant from the Mining Sector in 2015 as we say, “when the boom went bust” that I became an “accidental” consultant. There were no jobs, and I DID NOT want to say I was unemployed.
Instead, I established my consultancy and so began my journey to navigate the highs and lows. I love the freedom it gives me. I love that it allows me to be creative and work across industries with some incredible people.
I’m proud of the 27 years I spent working in Aboriginal Employment and my role as a Senior Manager in Government to CEO of a large Aboriginal Media organisation and as a Superintendent in the male dominated Mining Sector.
My highlight, by far, was in 2018 when as the Project Manager I worked alongside Sharon Kinchela and Chris Figg from Ngiyani, as hosts of the National NAIDOC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Conference ‘Because of Her, We Can’, held at the UNSW in Sydney.
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We decided to organise the Conference to celebrate the theme which honours amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women past and present. It was the largest gathering of our women in nearly 30 years, amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women sharing their stories across a diverse number of topics.
What’s one of the biggest challenges you experience or continue to experience as a leader?
It’s not always a level playing field for Aboriginal people and we often have to work twice as hard to achieve what we do because we are forever having to prove ourselves.
As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, we know exactly what we want and where we need to improve our lives both as individuals and for our communities; but too often it’s the same old rhetoric where Governments at all levels don’t listen and make decisions on our behalf without consultation.
To effect change requires resources and governments hold the power with funding so it’s a matter for them to really take on board what has been suggested when consulting with our people.
We have no choice but to live and work between ‘two worlds’ as we are very much a minority group in Australia. However as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we ask that everyone acknowledges the diversity amongst our people. We can break down many barriers if we take the time to learn more about, and respect, each other’s culture.
Who do you turn to for guidance, advice or support?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by a fabulous network of Aboriginal women across Australia, most of us on a similar journey passionate about our business and making a difference to our people by imparting knowledge on diverse topics.
Having undertaken the Murra Indigenous Business Masterclass in 2017 I tapped into so many fabulous Aboriginal men and women and men who are at different journeys in their careers. They have only been too happy to provide advice on any queries and sometimes it's just great to go for a coffee - we have a facebook page dedicated to Murra Alumni which is helpful for sharing info and advice.
I also belong to quite a few facebook pages set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business women and men. I contribute regularly to these pages with info and love to help them and help us all advance.
I have been a keynote speaker at several conferences such as IBA's Strong Women, Strong Business in 2018 where 180 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business women gathered. This was incredibly empowering and a celebration of just how far we have come as deadly women seizing the opportunities.
I am blessed to have a smaller inner circle of women of all nationalities who have mentored me over the years, I often seek their guidance on many decisions and always appreciate their willingness to provide advice and support. I love that they have been a part of many key events that I have organised over the years to empower women and I am always happy to acknowledge them publicly and thank them for their on-going support.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Woman’s Alliance (NATSIWA). Image courtesy Christine Ross Consultancy.
Being an aboriginal woman, you have a unique view on community leadership that we can all learn and benefit from. What is your view about leadership and what being a leader looks like?
A leader is someone who takes others on the journey with them, they empower their team and constantly encourage them to perform to their best ability. As a leader I always give credit where credit is due and my mantra is to lead with professionalism, integrity, honesty and humour. It’s about getting the best out of our team, I always do my homework so I can lead by example and I am available at all times - there’s no such thing as Mon - Friday 9.00-5.00pm. I also strongly encourage my team to be very proud of their Aboriginal Culture and it is often our job to educate the wider community about our people.
Connect with Chrstine Ross on Linked In or follow her on Facebook.