Maxine Edwards is a Policy Officer with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and has a Bachelor of Community Welfare from the University of Western Sydney. Maxine joined DECCW through the Indigenous Cadetship Program in 2008.

What aspects of your work with the NSW public sector give you the most satisfaction?

I get the most satisfaction from working in an environment where I am able to contribute to the health and overall wellbeing of both Aboriginal communities and non-Aboriginal communities across NSW. I value the opportunity to work with dedicated people who are genuine in their commitment to improving the wellbeing of all communities.

My role as a policy officer means that I often have to try to find the common ground between community expectations and government obligations. It is challenging at times, but it is also extremely rewarding when you are part of a team which has achieved something worthwhile.

How important was the NSW Indigenous Cadetship Program in supporting your career decisions?

Prior to my cadetship I was working full time and studying via Block mode at the University of Western Sydney. When I enrolled in the Bachelor of Community Welfare I was certain I wanted to work in a policy role, but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to build my career.

Before deciding whether the DECCW cadetship would help my career, I considered whether it would be financially viable for me to leave full time employment and live on the study allowance. I had two years left to complete my degree and was fortunate to be in a position to supplement my cadetship wages with my savings. I also undertook additional paid work in DECCW during my cadetship.

I decided that the NSW Indigenous Cadetship Program was a ‘stepping stone’ between my career in the non-government sector and a new career within the public service. The idea of working in the culture and heritage policy area seemed interesting and challenging.

As part of the cadetship program I had a fantastic mentor who kept in regular contact with me. We always had honest discussions about how I was going, my workload, my study load and also whether I was balancing my commitments in a healthy and productive manner.

I also had the support of other team members. I felt like I was part of the whole Culture and Heritage Division. My contributions were valued and not at all diminished because I was ‘only a cadet’.

What advice would you offer to students considering their next steps after they finish their HSC?

Dream Big! And like Nike, Just Do It… It won’t be easy but you’ll feel deadly once you achieve it!

How did you manage the work /study balance?

Time management is really important. Everyone says that, but what does it actually mean? It means you have to pick a time and actually do what you say you’re going to do. This is probably the hardest thing for most students.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are heaps of people employed at Universities to help students achieve their full potential. The Koori Centre at Uni is the best place to start to work out who can help you successfully complete your degree. Don’t be shame, use them – that’s what they’re there for!

Tips for cadets new to the Indigenous Cadetship Program?

Acknowledge your success and achievements. You successfully completed your HSC, you’re on your way to a University degree and you’re young, black and deadly! Be proud of your achievements.

Meet and have a yarn with other Koori staff in your workplace. They will be an invaluable source of inspiration, humour and knowledge.

Build your professional network. Meet people. Ask who they are and what they do. It helps to know who you’re talking to on the end of the phone or email.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your opinion is important and you wouldn’t have gotten the cadetship if other people didn’t think you had something valuable to offer.