VICTORIA Point's Bendigo Bank network has employed its first full-time indigenous trainee.
Karisa Rapana, 17, a local high school graduate, has joined the team, just after the Closing The Gap report was tabled in federal parliament.
Karisa will study financial services regulations and business studies at the Certificate III level.
Bendigo Bank chairman Garry White said he was looking forward to Karisa bringing her unique perspective to his successful team.
"This is not a token gesture on our part," Mr White said. "Our bank values diversity and our workforce should reflect the community in which we work.
"Supporting diversity and empowerment characterises so much of our approach to serving the Redlands."
Branch manager Justine Kennedy said a key to Redlands branch's success was returning a significant portion of profits to the community through a "buy local" policy and employing locals.
"We extend an invitation to anyone, whether they are customers or not, to come in and say hello to Karisa, and congratulate her on her appointment."
