THE ACADEMY TEAM

PETER BURGOYNE – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Peter is a proud Kokotha/Mirning (SA) – Warai (NT) man with a passion for supporting Aboriginal jobseekers into meaningful and sustainable employment.

Peter played 240 games for Port Power and was a vital member of Port Power’s 2004 premiership team.

Since his retirement from AFL in 2009, Peter has continued to act as a role model for Aboriginal youth and has held several high-profile roles in Indigenous Training, Recruitment and Mentorship Programs.

Peter has strong personal connections to the community and demonstrated ability to develop sustainable solutions to overcome the obstacles that many Aboriginal jobseekers face.

Peter will be supporting the development of the South Australian Aboriginal Building and Civil Construction Academy which will provide culturally inclusive trade training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal jobseekers in the Building and Civil Construction industry.

MIHAIL LOCHOWIAK – WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR

Mihail is a proud Kaurna, Ramindjeri and Narungga man who is passionate about supporting Aboriginal Jobseekers.

 
Mihail will work closely with Aboriginal jobseekers, and our industry partners, to create sustainable and life changing employment opportunities.
 
Mihail’s aspiration is to connect indigenous communities to meaningful employment; thereby empowering economic independence. Mihali believes that stronger Mums and Dads provide a powerful example for the next generation to follow in their footsteps, and that is essential for generational change.

TRENT HILL – WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION OFFICER / CULTURAL INSTRUCTOR

Trent is a proud Noongar Wiilman Man (South West of Western Australia), raised on Kaurna country. For more than 20 years, Trent has been sharing his culture with students and groups of all ages, through a range of educational programs, demonstrations and guided tours.

This experience, combined with Trent’s passion for mentoring and supporting Indigenous youth, has seen him develop a strong connection and partnership with schools and educational organisations across the Adelaide region.  

Trent firmly believes that the key to success for Aboriginal students and jobseekers is ensuring they have opportunity, support, and a strong connection to culture.

JANET DOOLAN – PROJECT SUPPORT OFFICER

Janet Doolan is a proud Lower Southern Arrernte woman whose ancestral roots run deep throughout the Simpson Desert, spanning Northern Territory and South Australia. Born on Kaurna country, she has cultivated strong and enduring relationships within the Aboriginal community.

In May 2024, Janet embarked on her role as the Project Support Officer for the South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy. With a rich background in the Education sector, Janet brings over 18 years of experience to her current position. Notably, for the past eight years, she has dedicated herself to working closely with Secondary Aboriginal school leavers, aiding their transition from school into further education, training, and employment opportunities.

Janet is passionate about increasing Aboriginal participation and inclusion in the workforce. She firmly believes that cultural safety and cultural integrity are crucial for Aboriginal peoples to thrive throughout their employment journey.

JESS CRONIN – STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Jess has 15+ years of leadership experience in the education sector. She commenced as Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy in April 2023.

Jess has diverse experience across, stakeholder engagement, partnership management, strategic planning, operational delivery, diversity and inclusion initiatives and program development and delivery.

-Bachelor Media (major in Law)

-Graduate Certificate of Public Relations

-PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner

-Certificate in Digital Marketing

SIENNA WILSON – ADMINISTRATION TRAINEE

Sienna is a proud Narungga, Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, and Wirringu woman completing her Administration traineeship with the Academy.

Her passion lies in working in roles that bring fulfilment and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Sienna hopes to inspire Aboriginal youth, particularly young women, by showing that hard work and dedication can pave the way to a bright and positive future.

Outside of work, Sienna channels her competitive spirit as a key member of the Garville Netball Club’s premier league squad.

TOM BLEWIT – SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION

Tom is a proud Wirangu/Kokatha Man who spent his early life in Port Lincoln until he moved to the city to pursue better career opportunities.

Tom specialises in the back-end systems and infrastructure that support the day-to-day Academy operations, including data capturing, reporting, scheduling, invoicing and database integrity.

Tom has successfully completed a Cert III in Business whilst working with the RAW Group.

He is passionate about enhancing Indigenous employment opportunities and is proud to be a key member of the Academy team.