Crown Resorts has hired nearly 1000 people through an Indigenous employment program run since 2009.
One of the first people given a job through the initiative was Noongar woman Sharon Ninyette.
The mother-of-six had been unemployed for two years until she was given a job as a responsible service of alcohol officer at Crown Perth.
Ten years later she has risen through the ranks and become the gaming company's first Indigenous female manager - overseeing the program that gave her that first opportunity.
Ms Ninyette says Crown's Indigenous Employment Strategy (IES) has provided real career opportunities.
“I think it is a great way to learn and to see the hospitality industry, it is also about them being role models not just for their community but family also,” she said.
“When I see career growth within this industry and when I see our mob, our employees coming to work every day coming to work every day, wanting to buy their home, buy their own car, it’s amazing.”
Crown has surpassed its original target to employ 300 Indigenous Australians. The IES is currently running in Perth and Melbourne, with 200 employees in each location. There is also a push to expand the program to Sydney.
Alicia Gleeson, Crown's executive general manager, said despite some success there is more to be done.
“We’re 10 years old and in that time we have created almost 1000 jobs – which we’re very proud of, but we’ve [got] more to do," she said.
“After a solid decade of operation in both Melbourne and Perth, Crown Sydney is now our next opportunity for the program.”
