Discover how one student’s journey in higher education and dedication to community empowerment is paving the way for meaningful leadership in Aboriginal organisations. Along the way, he’s become a beloved presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, bringing his other passion to TV screens across the nation.
When working in environmental education with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Clarence Slockee enjoyed the privilege of writing and delivering educational and tourism programs. His career has been deeply rooted in education and community involvement, but he realised he needed more to climb the management ladder and make a major impact.
The Bachelor of Business Administration program at UTS caught Clarence's attention for its cohort-based block mode format. This structure allowed him to balance full-time work, family, and travel while engaging deeply with course content. The expectation of graduating with a full degree was an added incentive.
“You can do training in dribs and drabs and do short courses here and there, but at the end of this you not only get some really relevant content to take back to your job, but you also actually end up with a Bachelor of Business Administration.”
Embracing the challenge
The concentrated block mode approach not only helped Clarence retain information more efficiently but has allowed him to apply what he learnt directly to his role.
Effective staff management techniques and an increased understanding of finance and marketing were essential to Clarence's professional aspirations. During his degree, he developed a marketing strategy for the Tribal Warrior Association, an Indigenous business in Sydney.
This project was not only academically enriching but also directly applicable to supporting Aboriginal businesses in his community. Analysing the operations and decision-making processes of organisations he's worked for has given him valuable insights into effective management practices.
We’ll have more Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander people equipped to be able to work with the community, as opposed to having non-Indigenous people in those roles.
Aspiring for community impact and biodiversity
A proud Cudgenburra/Bundjalung man, Clarence's goal is to empower Aboriginal organisations. Having lived in and visited many Aboriginal communities, he’s seen firsthand the need for strong, ethical leadership.
The course’s emphasis on ethical decision-making aligned perfectly with his aspiration to support and uplift these communities.
Clarence’s passion for biodiversity is also evident in his many endeavours, especially Jiwah, the 100% Aboriginal-owned company he founded in 2020.
As Director, Clarence and his team integrate Indigenous cultural perspectives into green space urban design, operating under the motto ‘Native by design, nature by necessity.’ Complementing this, Clarence has managed to carve out a successful presenting career, as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia.
Recognitions and future aspirations
Clarence’s extensive list of achievements and accolades include a Public Service Medal from his time at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, being named 2020 Horticulturalist of the Year by the Australian Institute of Horticulture, earning the 2021 Sustainability Future Shaper Award from Time Out magazine, and the 2022 Chapter Presidents Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
He was also the recipient of the 2019 Indigenous Australian Award.
Clarence is driven to create development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs of all ages while raising awareness and appreciation of native species ecosystems.
Looking to the future
This program has provided him with the tools and confidence to aspire to roles that will enable him to make a lasting impact. He envisions a future where more Indigenous people are leading their communities, driving progress, and ensuring that their cultural values are upheld in every decision.
"We’ll have more Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander people equipped to be able to work with the community, as opposed to having non-Indigenous people in those roles."
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