ABOUT US
Creating meaningful employment, stronger workforces and lasting community outcomes.
Our Story
Mandana means “family” in Peter Jackson’s traditional language, and family is at the heart of everything we do. Mandana was established by Peter, a proud Mandandanji and gunggari man from Southwest Queensland.
With more than 20 years of experience working with First Nations peoples, Peter specialises in Indigenous engagement, mentoring and recruitment. Mandana was created to connect people with meaningful employment, develop career pathways for Indigenous talent and help businesses build strong, capable and culturally supported workforces. Through genuine relationships, local knowledge and a strong connection to culture, we aim to create opportunities that strengthen people, businesses and communities.
KANGAROO TRACKS
Our totem
Following beneath our name are the kangaroo tracks. The kangaroo is Peter Jackson’s totem, grounding the design in his identity, family and connection to Country. Moving forward while carrying its young close, it represents Mandana’s commitment to family and helping people move towards a better future.
THE U-SHAPES
Our family, seated on Country
The U-shape represents a person sitting on the earth, the mark left in the ground when people sit together on Country. The two larger shapes represent Peter and Kylie, while the smaller shapes represent their seven children: three boys and four girls. Their whole family is seated together, surrounding and holding everything at the centre.
THE CIRCLES
The communities at our heart
At the centre are the circles, representing the communities where people live, work and play. They are meeting places where people come together to yarn, belong and build something lasting. Everything in the logo radiates from these circles because community sits at the heart of everything Mandana does.
Family at the centre, communities all around, and a path that always moves forward connecting our people to opportunity, to each other, and to Country.
Our Values
The principles that guide how we work.
We listen, seek to understand and treat people, culture, Country and community with care.
We communicate openly, take responsibility and do what is right.
Each of us are self-aware, accountable and responsible.
We turn ideas into meaningful outcomes through collaboration, practical solutions and a willingness to get the job done.
We lead with courage, support others to grow and create opportunities that strengthen people and communities.