Empowering Indigenous Futures: The Vision of Indigenous Jobs Match

Our Founder

Edward Solien is the visionary founder of Indigenous Jobs Match, a platform dedicated to connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers with mainstream organisations committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplaces.

Proudly identifying as Torres Strait Islander with connections to Thursday and Badu Islands and Papua New Guinean, Edward brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations communities in accessing meaningful employment opportunities. As someone who has navigated these challenges himself, Edward is passionate about creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve their career aspirations while helping organisations build culturally competent workplaces.

Edward is a Certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Specialist and a Certified Human Resources Business Partner, with extensive experience fostering inclusive workplace cultures. He has chaired numerous executive steering committees, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic insight in guiding organisational change and aligning initiatives with cultural and business priorities.

In addition to his professional achievements, Edward is an active advocate for social change and a respected voice within the LGBTIQA+ community. His lived experiences, including managing chronic health conditions, have shaped his unique perspective and strengthened his resolve to empower others.

Through Indigenous Jobs Match, Edward is driving a mission to bridge the gap between First Nations talent and progressive employers, fostering partnerships that honour cultural heritage and contribute to economic and social equity.

Left: Shele Liddle
Middle: Sister Sono Weatherall - Founder - Strong Woman Talking
Right: Edward Solien (he/him) - Disabled, LGBTIQA+ and Torres Strait Islander Person

Edward’s Mob

Edward’s Aboriginality Certificate and Credentials

The Vision of Indigenous Jobs Match

In today’s world, meaningful employment remains one of the most significant pathways to empowerment, self-determination, and equality. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, connecting with job opportunities that align with cultural values and aspirations is essential. Indigenous Jobs Match (IJM), founded by Edward Solien, is a groundbreaking platform designed to address this need.

The Purpose of Indigenous Jobs Match

Edward Solien, a proud Torres Strait Islander connected to Badu Island, created IJM to bridge the gap between Indigenous job seekers and mainstream organisations. With lived experience of overcoming challenges as both an Indigenous person and an advocate for diversity, Edward envisioned a platform that does more than provide job listings. IJM serves as a cultural and professional connector, fostering opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to thrive in workplaces that value inclusion and equity.

At its core, IJM empowers Indigenous job seekers by providing a tailored platform to showcase their unique talents, skills, and cultural knowledge. It also equips organisations with the tools and support they need to effectively recruit, retain, and support Indigenous employees.

The Challenge of Employment for Indigenous Australians

Despite progress in many areas, employment disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians remains stark. Barriers such as geographic isolation, systemic racism, and lack of access to culturally safe workplaces persist. Mainstream organisations often struggle to understand the importance of cultural competency in recruiting and retaining Indigenous employees.

IJM is designed to dismantle these barriers, offering job seekers and employers an environment where cultural safety and mutual respect are at the forefront.

How Indigenous Jobs Match Works

Indigenous Jobs Match is more than just a job board. It’s a platform driven by cultural understanding, education, and partnership. It works in several key ways:

  1. Connecting Indigenous Talent with Opportunities
    IJM offers job seekers access to roles across industries, ensuring they can find opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations.

  2. Supporting Employers
    IJM helps businesses and organisations become culturally competent employers by providing resources and guidance on creating inclusive workplaces.

  3. Fostering Community Collaboration
    The platform promotes partnerships between mainstream organisations and Indigenous communities, ensuring employers are hiring Indigenous people and investing in their long-term success.

The Unique Approach of IJM

One of IJM’s standout features is its emphasis on mutual benefit. It’s not about ticking diversity boxes; it’s about creating genuine, impactful relationships. Edward Solien has designed IJM to prioritise long-term outcomes, aiming to reduce turnover rates, improve job satisfaction, and build careers rather than just jobs.

IJM’s culturally aligned approach makes it particularly impactful. Job seekers feel respected and understood, while employers gain invaluable insights into supporting Indigenous employees and integrating Indigenous perspectives into their organisations.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

Indigenous Jobs Match is more than a platform; it’s a movement. It calls on businesses, government agencies, and organisations to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation through employment. By investing in Indigenous talent and building culturally competent workplaces, employers close the employment gap and enrich their organisations with diverse perspectives.

For Indigenous job seekers, IJM represents hope and opportunity—a chance to be seen, heard, and valued in the workforce.

A Vision for the Future

Edward Solien’s vision for IJM is deeply personal, stemming from his passion for social justice, his connection to community, and his drive to make a difference. Through Indigenous Jobs Match, he is not just creating jobs but laying the foundation for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can achieve economic independence and professional fulfilment.

Indigenous Jobs Match is a reminder that everyone benefits when we create spaces of respect, opportunity, and collaboration. It’s a testament to the power of connection and the importance of building bridges between cultures.