Sodexo, Australia’s leading food services and facilities management provider for the Energy and Resources sector, has joined the NRL Cowboys House family as Supporting Partner – Career Transitions.
Managing Director of Sodexo Australia, Keith Weston, said it was just the beginning of a shared journey supporting young people to truly shine.
“At Sodexo, through our long-standing commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that learning is everyone’s responsibility – including corporate Australia. For us, it’s about showing sustainable leadership through achieving health equality, employment initiatives, and social cohesion within and beyond our operations”.
“The commitment of the Cowboys Community Foundation to the holistic growth of its students and graduates is truly inspiring”.
Keith added that stories like Fred’s, who started his apprenticeship as a chef, highlight the impact such partnerships can have.
“We are proud to support such an incredible initiative, witnessing firsthand how stable housing, practical skill-building, and impactful mentoring come together to transform lives. Fred’s story, for example, reminds us why partnerships like these make a difference”.
Sodexo is powered by more than 423,000 employees in 45 countries, serving 80 million consumers every day.
In Australia, Sodexo has a team of over 5,000 employees working across more than 100 villages and camps. Every day, they provide services to over 20,000 resource workers, covering everything from catering and cleaning to aerodrome services, security, concierge, building maintenance, and hospitality.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said it was genuine shared values and a commitment to making a real and enduring difference to each student and broader society which made partnerships like Sodexo’s so important.
“Sodexo is an industry leader and has immense expertise and experience which will present our young people with many exciting opportunities through our Career Transitions Program,” Fiona said.
“There are huge opportunities within the Energy and Resources sector in our region and forging connections with industry leaders like Sodexo opens their eyes to futures they might never have imagined,” she said.
“But it’s Sodexo’s enduring commitment to delivering positive social impact and embracing the principles of purpose which makes this collaboration so meaningful.
“It was wonderful to have the Sodexo team on site at our NRL Cowboys House Graduate Campus opening last month, they were genuinely impressed and inspired by the amazing success stories of our graduates, and I’m excited to explore the difference we can continue to make together into the future.”
Q&A
With Keith Weston, Managing Director of Sodexo Australia
Q
Why did Sodexo decide to partner with Cowboys Community Foundation and become a NRL Cowboys House Supporting Partner – Career Transitions.
A
At Sodexo, our commitment to supporting Indigenous people and communities has been at the heart of what we do. Working alongside communities, we’ve listened, engaged, and developed new ways to foster shared community led opportunities.
Our partnership with the Cowboys Community Foundation and NRL Cowboys House is a powerful example of this commitment. It represents another step forward in building a future where Indigenous youth can access education, employment, and a deep, sustainable connection to their culture.
By opening doors, we’re helping future generations and leaders realise their ambitions—personal, educational, and professional—while creating career choices that make a lasting impact in the Townsville region and surrounds.
Through collaboration and support for the communities where we live and work, Sodexo is shaping stronger, brighter futures for all.
Q
What does it mean for you and your people to partner with Cowboys Community Foundation and NRL Cowboys House?
A
We are deeply inspired by the foundation’s vision and passion for transforming lives and are proud to be part of this impactful initiative.
Together through this partnership, we are encouraged to understand and provide pathways for students and graduates, ensuring they are equipped with life skills, stable housing, and choices to succeed. This partnership allows Sodexo to demonstrate its purpose of driving positive social change in the communities where it operates.
Q
What type of impact do you believe this partnership can have for the NRL Cowboys House students and graduates?
A
Our support will complement the incredible work the foundation has accomplished over the past 10 years.
Being part of this experience opens up diverse career opportunities with Sodexo across 100 mining villages and camps throughout Australia, including roles such as Apprentice Chefs or Trades, Service Attendants, and Health and Wellness Advisors.
We’re also passionate about promoting apprenticeships and traineeships that align with our workforce’s career paths across our organisation.
By joining forces with NRL Cowboys House, we aim to empower graduates to achieve independence, contribute to their communities, and inspire others to dream big and follow in their footsteps.
Q
What would a successful partnership look like for you and the Sodexo business?
A
For us, success is about building meaningful, long-term relationships, encouraging honest conversations, and truly understanding what students and graduates aspire to achieve for their futures. It’s about walking alongside them and making sure our efforts align with their goals and dreams.
A successful partnership is reflected in real stories: young people finding stability, reaching important milestones, and stepping confidently into their leadership with pride.
We also recognise how important it is to create a sense of belonging at Sodexo. That’s why programs like our Indigenous Mentoring and Career Development initiative matter so much. Our Indigenous Affairs Teams offer guidance, support and career advice across our organisation. It’s another way we demonstrate our commitment to building a safe space where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered every step of the way.
For more information on ways to partner with Cowboys Community Foundation visit our website
