First Nations Dee transcript

Dee: Hi, I'm Daniella Tidy. Everyone at APM calls me Dee, and I'm the First Nations Engagement Lead. 

I was born and raised in Western Australia. A majority part in Perth’s south. I love Mandurah, that’s my where my heart is. My mum always pushed for us to learn more about culture and exposing us to First Nations resources and tools in the local communities where we grew up, so that we could find a sense of identity.

My Indigenous identity helps me to connect with community in multiple ways. I feel as though it's easier to engage, it's easier to speak to them on a level in which we can discuss mutual benefits. I feel very strongly that, you know, in terms of that connection with people, no matter where you come from, what you do, it's something we all share.

Local knowledge is important to my role because you need to be in touch and have your finger on the pulse in the community. You need to have an understanding of what the community is looking for in order to give the community what they need.

My favourite thing about working at APM is that I get to work with a diverse range of people. People from all backgrounds, people from all cultures. Cultural awareness at APM is important because we have customer facing roles. We do work closely with community and we are looking at providing that support and assistance on a level that hasn't been seen before. Working together, being united, and I think community, that sense of community is something that everyone is looking for. Sometimes they don't know how to find it, but they can sure find it at APM.