Public Sector Unearthed Ep #6 – Empowered communities with Kristina Musial-Aderer, Reshaune Singer and Jason Quin
In episode 6 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we dive into the Empowered Communities program with Kristina Musial-Aderer, adviser, Empowered Communities at the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Reshaune Singer, engagement officer for NPY Empowered Communities and Jason Quin, executive manager of NPY Empowered Communities. They share how the program runs from the ground up, how they connect with community, and what motivates them to keep going every day.
Kristina shines a light on what the makes the Empowered Communities program stand out and how the government acts not as the primary driver but as an enabling partner. She also highlights how the program varies significantly across different communities and regions to accommodate the unique needs and circumstances of each area.
Joining the conversation from Alice Springs, Reshaune, and Jason provide insights into how the program is running in the NPY region. Located in a tri-state area, Jason and Reshaune talk about the need for strong community ties and innovative communication and decision-making strategies are important for success. The conversation also explores their personal journeys, revealing the deep connections and motivations that drive their commitment to working closely with First Nations communities.
This episode’s unearthed wisdom: Empowering First Nations communities requires genuine partnership, respect for indigenous knowledge, and a commitment to community-led solutions.
Guests:
Kristina Musial-Aderer
Kristina Musial-Aderer joined the public service as a graduate at Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in 2010. Kristina’s career has focused on social policy and program implementation, primarily at the Office for Women and for First Nations portfolios. She is currently an adviser at the National Indigenous Australians Agency leading its work on partnership and shared decision making with the ten Empowered Communities regions. Kristina lives in Canberra with her husband and three children.
Reshaune Singer
Reshaune Singer, a Pitjantjatjara & Yankunytjatjara man from Indulkana in the APY Lands, South Australia, currently resides in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. In 2022, Reshaune joined Empowered Communities as an engagement officer. His work focuses on enhancing education, leadership development, and employment opportunities within his community and the broader region.
He actively contributes to the Emerging Leaders program, where he once was a participant, now helping to shape future community leaders in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Reshaune’s vision is to create equal rights and opportunities for everyone, striving to build a more connected and equitable society by fostering relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Jason Quin
Jason Quin is the executive manager, Empowered Communities in the NPY region. Jason has worked for many years in support of social change, in the UK and in Australia. In central Australia, Jason has worked for several key Aboriginal organisations, including the Central Land Council and the Centre for Appropriate Technology, before joining Empowered Communities.
Jason has also contributed to the strategic leadership of numerous social enterprises and community organisations in the region, across diverse industries, including the arts, tourism, the environment and sustainable agriculture.