Darwin IAPSEN

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Gowan Bush

Hi, my name is Gowan Bush. I am a Ngalakan man who’s lands are situated in and around the community of Ngukurr, which is about 500km south east of Darwin. I have lived in Darwin all my life and don’t ever see myself leaving the place due to the lifestyle and of course close family connections.

In my current role as the Indigenous Engagement Manager for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), I am responsible for the implementation and management of the Indigenous Community Engagement Strategy (ICES) up here in the NT.  As part of this role I am required to provide policy advice to other government agencies and ABS sections on Indigenous issues relevant to the NT. I am also responsible for developing new methods, strategies and resources that can be used to engage, educate, and raise the awareness of our data and its uses to Indigenous organisations, councils, individuals and community groups a like.

Prior to commencing with the ABS in 2004, I had worked in various Government Agencies for eleven or so years. They include, Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Department of Employment Education and Training (DEET), Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), and Family and Community Services (FaCS). 

During my time with FaCS I took on the role of Chair of the National Indigenous Officers Network which provided me with an insight into the real benefits of networks like this and of course the IAPSEN.  This was a  motivating factor behind my nomination to act as Chair for the Darwin IAPSEN until the committee votes in an incumbent Chair and a new committee.  Until this occurs I look forward to continuing to support, participate and contribute to a network that will add a great deal of value for all Indigenous APS employees.