This year, a key platform of the FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos has been the recognition and celebration of a “local legend” in each of the Expo locations.

THIS year, a key platform of the FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos has been the recognition and celebration of a “local legend” in each of the Expo locations.

All of these “legends” share common traits of a strong work ethic and self-belief – values that have been at the core of Queensland’s recent State of Origin success, and which FOGS has worked tirelessly to promote through the Expo series.

The stories of these outstanding individuals have been warmly received by crowds at the Expos and guests at the FOGS Indigenous Legends Dinners, held on the eve of each Expo.

Learning of the triumphs and trials of these “legends” in their journeys from high school to work, training or tertiary education has further encouraged job seekers and school-leavers to make the most of the opportunities on offer at the Expos.

Celebration of the “legends” has also encouraged local employment, education and training providers to continue to support the aspirations of their Indigenous communities.

FOGS have been very proud to help share these stories, which clearly illustrate that members of Queensland’s Indigenous community are helping FOGS carry the Expo message throughout our great state.

Here are some of the stories of some Queensland “local legends” who are helping FOGS make a difference in the lives of young Indigenous Queenslanders.

Shannon Willett
In 2010, Shannon worked one day a week at ANZ Bank while completing her Year 12 Senior Certificate at Mackay State High School.

Also blessed with the sporting genes of her legendary uncle, Former Origin Great Wendell Sailor, Shannon recently received a football scholarship to Iowa Central College in America.
Through discipline in her sports training and commitment to her professional development, Shannon will get the opportunity to play football at an elite level while studying to be a nurse in Iowa.

Kevin Wone
Kevin was accepted into James Cook University after finishing Year 12 at Innisfail High School in 1978.

Study gave way to earning a living for a short period, but Kevin was determined to return to study at the earliest opportunity, and in 1981 he was accepted into the TAFE teacher program in Brisbane where he completed a Diploma of Teaching.

Since then, Kevin has taught in Rockhampton, worked for the Commonwealth Department of Education, and studied for a Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland.

Kevin now runs his own successful accounting practice.

Nicole Blucher
Nicole attended Drillham State School, in western Queensland, before completing Year 10 at Townsville Shalom Christian College.

Nicole became a mother at the tender age of 17, but her youth did not deter her from her goal of securing a future for her family.

Nicole completed a traineeship in Library Services at Walkerston State School, and was then offered a position as a teacher aid and tutor.
After having her second child, Nicole commenced a new position as an Employment Consultant for the Government.

Most recently, Nicole has taken up a trainee Plant Operator position with Thiess. Nicole now has three children and continues to successfully juggle the demands of full-time work and motherhood.

Troyson Bassani
Troyson attended Yarrabah State Primary School and continued onto another north Queensland school, Gordonvale High, until Grade 10.

He then enrolled at Brisbane’s Marist College, Ashgrove, where he completed the rest of his senior schooling.
After graduating, he completed a Bachelor of Arts – majoring in Political Science – at Griffith University.

He is now a student at James Cook University, where he is completing a dual degree in Arts and Business Management and enjoying studying a variety of subjects.
Troyson is also putting his study of politics to good use, with current employment at Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council as the Mayor’s assistant.