Trailblazing Aboriginal-owned call centre takes spotlight at Supply Nation's 'Connect' Conference

Joseph Guenzler Published August 9, 2023 at 5.30pm (AWST)

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First Nations Network, Australia's first Aboriginal-owned call centre launced at Supply Nation's 'Connect' Conference this week. (Image: Supply Nation)

Australia's first Indigenous-owned and operated call centre and tech provider, First Nations Network, has launched at this years Supply Nation 'Connect' Conference.

It seeks to establish a home-based flexible work model for community members to deliver exceptional call centre services.

Proud Gurindji man and co-founder, John Burgess, emphasised the goal of creating meaningful job opportunities for Indigenous people.

"The mission is to foster meaningful employment opportunities for First Nations people within community, jobs that have a low barrier to entry and a skillset that is transferable to enable staff to work within their communities which could have a huge effect in remote and regional settings," Mr Burgess said.

*First Nations Network is Australia's first Aboriginal-owned and operated telecommunications and technology partner. (Image: FNN)*

The concept, originating from Mr Burgess' established agency, Little Rocket, in partnership with Unity4, an international Call Center and Technology enterprise, aims to empower Indigenous communities.

Unity4, which has already executed a successful pilot with the Maori community in New Zealand and the local community in WA, is enthusiastic about its commitment to self-determination.

Unity4 co-founder and First Nations Network director, Mark Vaughn, noted "Unity4 is deeply committed to supporting self-determination within First Nations communities and through this new service we aim to create pathways to success and self sufficiency."

"Our commitment is centred on nurturing talent and providing clear career development programs, from entry-level positions to management roles, we are dedicated to supporting employee growth and development," Mr Vaughn said.

First Nations Network extends an invitation to corporations to partake in their services, aligning with their social procurement goals and contributing to First Nations initiatives.

The initiative pledged to make a lasting impact on communities across Australia as FNN is prepared to handle a range of inbound and outbound campaigns, spanning various sectors, such as utilities, telecommunications, government, and corporate domains.

Notably, First Nations Network is skilled at managing culturally sensitive campaigns, an essential aspect of reaching out to First Nations communities.

The service offering can be customised to ensure effective cultural engagement and connection with these communities.