When you spend time with John Camm, you’d never guess that he has risen from the ashes of intergenerational trauma. John is a quietly spoken, calm and measured business leader and the co-founder of RCSA award winning agency, Rainy Day Recruitment. He is a boss, colleague, brother, husband, father and friend. He is also a son who was callously ripped away from his mother.
John Camm was four years old when he and his two younger sisters were taken from their young Aboriginal mother and placed into care. His mum was only 14 when she gave birth to him and 18 when her three babies were removed.
John Camm and his mum in a newspaper clipping published when they were re-united.
“My mum was part of the stolen generation in Western Australia and theoretically so were we.” says John.
“They were still taking kids from Aboriginal mothers until 1975. We were taken from our mum, and although we were lucky enough to stay together, the experience had a profound effect on us all.”
As Australia celebrates NAIDOC week and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Culture, it’s important that the atrocities committed against the Nation’s first people are not overlooked.
John’s mother was stolen off country in Kununurra and taken to the notorious Forrest River Mission, run by the Anglican Church. Over the years it housed around 40 Aboriginal boys and girls who were taken from their parents. The rules were strict, and the boys and girls were segregated into dormitories that were padlocked to prevent the children from interacting with family or others at the mission.
“After the mission, Mum was placed into various homes and used as domestic help. She fell pregnant with me, and I was born in Adelaide. She had no support, so the day after I was born, she bundled me up and hitchhiked back to WA to be with friends.
“When we were taken from mum, her life spiralled. She dealt with the trauma until the day she died.”
It took 14 years and the help of a journalist to re-unite John and his sisters with their birth mother.
“We stumbled upon an old newspaper article about an Aboriginal woman, searching for her three children taken in WA. My sister asked me if she thought it could be us, so we got in touch with the paper and the journalist was able to track the woman down. It turned out that she was our mum, and that we had two more siblings.”
John admits that their reunion was confronting and challenging, and that embracing his heritage has been a journey. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, he and his sisters faced pervasive racism and had limited exposure to their culture and people.
"Seeing this Aboriginal woman walking towards us was daunting," John recalls.
"I’d spent my life avoiding ticking boxes on government application forms that identified me as Aboriginal to avoid discrimination…and here I was meeting my black mother. It was emotional and overwhelming.”
It took until the birth of his children for John to fully educate himself on his cultural heritage. His wife, who is Czech, emphasised the importance of their children knowing both their Czech and Indigenous roots. It’s been a journey of discovery and empowerment for them all.
“Mum passed away a few years ago, and my sisters and I were fortunate enough to have a relationship with her until the end. She suffered from what was done to her, and we suffered too. It’s always been important that my children understand their history, and the resilience that runs through our veins.”
Despite the hardship, John and his sisters have all thrived in successful careers. When John co-founded Rainy Day Recruitment in Adelaide with business partner Kristi McMillan, diversity and inclusion became the centre of business operations. Rainy Day proudly supports minority groups into meaningful employment across IT, engineering, and professional service roles.
John Camm (right) and RCSA CEO, Charles Cameron.
“We have a specific passion for helping women and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders, says John.
“We have our own Reconciliation Action Plan and do our part to support first nation businesses and suppliers.
“We have also established a scholarship for First Australians pursuing studies in STEM or business, providing financial support, mentoring, and internship opportunities.”
John’s story, though harrowing, exemplifies resilience and demonstrates that with determination, compassion, and acceptance, adversity can be overcome. His journey highlights the profound impact that inclusive practices can have, showcasing the importance of putting people first in all endeavours.
As recruiters, we possess the unique power to drive meaningful change by fostering inclusivity and championing diverse talents. At RCSA, we acknowledge that while NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate, the recognition and honouring of our nation’s First People should be an ongoing commitment throughout the entire year. By embracing this approach, we can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
More information about NAIDOC week can be found here.
To get started on your own Reconciliation Action Plan, click here.