18 May 2025
A group of dedicated young Australians have proudly graduated from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) program at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC) with a Certificate III in Hospitality or Tourism, delivered in partnership with Careers Training Centre.*
This event marks the 100th NITA graduate for MGCC since the program's inception in 2011, and in 2025 more than 750 trainees in total are expected to graduate across the two locations of MGCC and Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.
Operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, NITA offers young Indigenous Australians the chance to live, learn and earn onsite, before graduating with nationally accredited qualifications that provide an important pathway to employment.
The graduating class of May 2025 includes:
- Stuart Rosser: Certificate III in Hospitality
- Mundarra Talbot: Certificate III in Hospitality
- Patricia McLean: Certificate III in Hospitality
- Rachelle Minnicon: Certificate III in Hospitality
- Nyoakah Davidson: Certificate III in Tourism
At the special ceremony held at Thala Lodge Nature Reserve with Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre GM Rachael Hodges, and MGCC trainees, graduates and their families in attendance, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Matt Cameron Smith spoke of his pride in marking this momentous moment together.
"Our graduates have bright futures in tourism and hospitality and we're incredibly proud of all they have achieved on their NITA journey at Mossman Gorge, and with our wonderful partner organisations in the region. This whole-of-region approach ensures we all reap the benefits of shared Indigenous culture, knowledge and skills," said Matt Cameron-Smith.
Each of the graduates has spent time learning theory in MGCC's dedicated training facilities, while receiving hands-on practical experience at work placements at MGCC and partner tourism business Back Country Bliss. Other Trainees in the program are also placed with partners like Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas gaining valuable workplace training and experience. Many graduates from the program transition into direct employment with partner businesses or Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia with exciting opportunities ahead.
NITA Graduate Patricia McLean says: "This traineeship helped me connect back to my roots and and my people. It has shown me the importance of a vision of a positive role model for future generations and the ripple effect it has in creating positive change and paving the path for my people. This traineeship is built so we can make our own decisions within ourselves to change for the better."
MGCC is an ecotourism located at the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. The signature tour is the renowned Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, a Traditional Owner-guided rainforest walk connecting visitors to Kuku Yalanji culture. MGCC is a centre of excellence for Indigenous tourism, training and employment, with over 60% of staff members identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with over 60% of team leader and management positions held by Indigenous Australians.
In addition to the recent NITA graduation, MGCC has announced a number of new cultural and community initiatives, including the Yalanji RAW Reconciliation Run and Walk on Sunday 31 May during National Reconciliation Week in partnership with Douglas Shire Council. This free public event celebrates reconciliation and connection while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Participants of all ages can run, roll or cheer - utilising the brand-new cycleway that connects MGCC to the Mossman community. A healthy breakfast will be provided by MGCC.
Meanwhile, community artists take centre stage at the MGCC Art Gallery with the Centre's commitment to showcasing 100% Kuku Yalanji art - an important income stream for the community and testament to the breadth of skill and talent amongst artists of the region.
For more information, visit www.mossmangorge.com.au.
