Making Tracks to Site Supervisor
Anastasia (Anna) Patterson's Journey towards becoming a Site Supervisor reflects her unwavering commitment to helping Indigenous youth and communities.
Inspired by her sister's exemplary footsteps, Anna embarked on a path of service, leveraging her experiences in the army, youth detention centres, and youth camps to effect positive change within the broader community.
Anna recognised the potential for change within the security industry to redefine perceptions of Indigenous Men and Women. Transitioning from roles in the youth camps and detention centres, she saw the security industry as an avenue to empower her community and challenge stereotypes.
Anastasia (Anna) Patterson – Site Supervisor JCU, Townsville – QLD
Navigating through the challenges, Anna joined the Making Tracks Program — provided by Wilson Security and offered by her then Employment Provider — in November 2022 to gain her security licence and build an understanding of the security industry.
After obtaining her security licence upon completing the Making Tracks course, Anna started a role within the security industry's retail sector; she faced the challenge of breaking barriers and fostering communication between the Indigenous community and Wilson Security Staff. Unwavering from her cultural belief of talking with community members, she soon found that most of her conversations with the community were about how others could join the security industry, as they wanted to be like her.
Anna's pivotal moment arrived when she transitioned into patrol duties, which aligned with her aspirations to support her community actively. Encountering the K9 Section sparked a shift in her goals, igniting a deep sense of purpose within the business. Realising the need to embody leadership beyond her Identity, Anna collaborated with leaders within Wilson Security to bridge cultural understandings. Her commitment to guiding non-Indigenous staff and fostering cultural awareness helped establish her as a trusted leader.
Anna's dedication cultivated a culture of excellence and trust within her role. Her mentors and managers recognised her as an ideal candidate for Site Supervisor and affirmed her impact on the organisation and community.
For Anna, the greatest success lies in setting an example for her young son and nurturing his potential to soar as a valued community member. Her journey instils a sense of resilience and determination to strive for excellence in every endeavour, something she also wants to instil in her co-workers.
Through the journey, Anna has learned the importance of unwavering commitment and belief in one's ability to effect change. Her story resonates with the notion of staying true to one's beliefs and extending a helping hand to others personally and professionally.
As Anna embraces her role as Site Supervisor, she aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for students and staff alike. Her journey exemplifies the values of empathy, understanding, and unity, fostering positive change within Wilson Security and beyond.
Anna's story is a testament to the impact of Wilson Security's Making Tracks Program, which supports Indigenous talent and fosters a more inclusive and diverse workforce. By bridging cultural gaps and promoting leadership, Anna has set a powerful example for her son, co-workers, and the broader community.
We invite you to learn more about our commitment to Indigenous engagement and how we are working towards a more inclusive future by visiting the Indigenous Engagement webpage: https://www.wilsonsecurity.com.au/Sustainability/indigenous-engagement/
You can read another Making Tracks case study in the National Indigenous Times here: https://nit.com.au/05-07-2024/12371/wilson-security-making-tracks-for-first-nations-employment
You will also find a brief article in the National Indigenous Radio Service here: https://nirs.org.au/news/securing-jobs-for-mob/
