About: Benson Saulo
I am one of the 40% of Indigenous Australian’s under the age of 25 determined to promote positive messages about Aboriginal Australia and encourage an inclusive, progressive society.
I am 23 years old and live in Melbourne – my Grandmother is Wemba Wemba (Swan Hill) and Grandfather is Gunditjmara (Warrnambool). I grew up in Tamworth (Gomileroi Country) and began working at ANZ when I was 15yrs through the Indigenous Traineeships Program which I completed in 2005.
I moved to Sydney to study at the University of Technology of Sydney and worked in Business Banking as an Assistant Manager. I have recently undertaken a career break from my role as a Business Analyst to pursue a voluntary position with UN Youth.
I have had the amazing privilege of being appointed the 2011 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations. It is a huge honour to represent such a diverse and optimistic demographic at a national and international level. I am the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed since this role began in 1999 while this is a great achievement I believe my appointment is a reflection on the aspirations of young Australians who want to see a more progressive and inclusive Australia.
Outside of work I have participated on 3 boards. Reconciliation Victoria, Aboriginal Advisory Board to the Victorian Electoral Commission and EastWeb; a youth lead philanthropic board focusing on Indigenous, Refugee and Asylum Seeker community initiatives. All boards have provided great exposure into organisations outside of the corporate world. I believe is important to have experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors as they provide different perspectives on community relations, business operations and social responsibility.
Over the coming months I will be traveling throughout Australia attending and hosting various youth forums to gain a deeper understanding on the issues affecting youth today. This deeper understanding will better equip me with the information to represent such a diverse group of young people at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Stay tuned for updates!
Follow me on Facebook
Twitter: bensonsaulo
Hey Benson,
Great to hear your voice is out there….and you’re a great writer! I especially like the poem by Oodgeroo Noonuccal and your comment about the importance of being hopeful…that’s a simple but powerful and inspiring message for all of us seeking a better future for Indigenous and other Australians.
Erin
Thanks Erin! I’m really glad you share the same passion!
Hey Benson,
Just been reading about you and watching your interviews on Generation One. You explain so much, so well. The world needs you and more people like you.
Thank you Tracey – really appreciate your kind words and interest in my writings – I waffled on in the interviews a bit
Cheers
Benson! Massive congratulations for being awarded position as 2011 Australia Youth Representative to the United Nations. I’m a 21 year old guy from Adelaide and follow the Gen One campaign. Your story is truly exciting. Can’t wait to see you in South Australia!
Sam
Hi Benson,
Congratulations on your work. It’s very inspiring.
I have created a short film if you have time I’d love you to watch.
You are free to post it on your blog if you like.
http://www.tribalfilms.com.au/#988599/Captain-of-the-Team
all the best,
Kris
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“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. ” Barack Obama.
Benson, good luck and best wishes on this exciting journey – you represent the hopes and aspirations of many. Andrew.
Hey benson,
I was just sitting in french class a mere day and a half after I saw you last. And I was thinking about the amazing experiences we’ve had. The amazing inspiration you were and the really life changing journey that you, mel, and the rest of the conference took me on. I’ll never forget the fun times in the car, and i’ll never EVER forget the way you cared and were so interested in us, and so passionate about your journey, and allowing us the chance to be part of that journey. Where ever I go in life I’ll remember that week as part of what got me there. And I just really wanted to thank you now, even though I’m sure we’ll catch up regularly via twitter and facebook. Just one of the really special moments for me wasn’t the talks or the fun stuff we did but when i couldn’t walk, you took the time out to help me up to my room, when you’re a pretty important bloke, you still just were so kind and caring and humble about it all. If you’re in brisbane before September let me know I’d love to see you before you do the big part of the role. If not we will cross paths in the future. It was an honour and privilege to meet you.
Your Friend
Mark
Hiya Benson,
Thank you so much for your advice and help in Toowoomba
i apologise if I might have asked you too many questions,
You really are an amazing person who I really respect and admire
Your speech was so great and passionate, and you are my role model now
Your messages of hope really got to me and that special quote of ‘its not about what your carve in stone but what you weave in the hearts of others’ was extremely inspirational
If you are in Sydney any time, let me know because I know some people who would benefit from listening to you
Hi.
I am a year 12 high school student in Adelaide.
I wish to ask you for some more information about your work for united nations youth. Could you please conatct me via emaill? Thanks alot!!