A journey from international banking to serving the community, Marcus brings a wealth of unique perspectives to his role in Risk and Resilience.
Marcus Turner is proud of his Aboriginal heritage. Born and raised in Sydney, his family roots are north of Newcastle, NSW in the Hunter region of the Worimi people. Joining Hearing Australia in 2024 as Risk and Resilience Manager was a move motivated by his commitment to equality in Australian society, his cultural heritage and the transformative power of hearing. In Marcus’s work, he bridges traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, offering a unique and levelling perspective that fosters inclusivity and diversity of thought.
Marcus’s professional journey began in the high-stakes world of international banking. However, a pivotal moment at a corporate event led him to re-evaluate his career fairly early on, and the values he’d been raised with came to the fore.
“An off the cuff comment from a colleague confirmed what I already knew in my heart, that I was contributing a lot to a few,” Marcus explains. “I’d been raised with a deep respect for community, and I decided I needed to simply be doing more for more people.”
That realisation prompted a shift to public service, where Marcus moved into risk management and governance for many years. In joining Hearing Australia, Marcus saw an opportunity to align his professional skills with his personal values.
“The role appealed to me because it’s about more than just process - it’s about empowering the most vulnerable segments of our community,” he says.
A tie to culture
For Marcus, hearing itself has strong ties to his cultural and personal identity. He emphasises its significance in preserving oral traditions, a cornerstone of Aboriginal culture.
“Our culture relies on the ability to share stories, knowledge, and history across generations,” he explains. “Improving hearing not only impacts individuals but also strengthens those all-important cultural connections.”
Marcus has a strong appreciation for education and was raised to value learning, not just for personal growth but as a tool to overcome systemic barriers. So, he’s proud to be part of an organisation doing such important work to improve the hearing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“Hearing plays a fundamental role in education,” he notes. “It enables children to fully participate and succeed, creating opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.”
A unique perspective
As a leader, Marcus brings a dynamic approach to his work. His role spans various responsibilities, from addressing safety concerns at hearing centres to preparing for extreme weather events.
“Risk management isn’t just about mitigating what can go wrong,” Marcus explains. “It’s also about what can go right - maximising opportunities and ensuring the organisation can deliver its mission effectively.”
Marcus’s ability to connect traditional First Nations practices with contemporary governance adds depth to his work. He often incorporates culturally significant practices, like yarning circles, into his professional interactions.
“Yarning circles encourage inclusivity and transparency, where everyone has a voice,” he says. “It’s a principle deeply embedded in Aboriginal culture and aligns beautifully with best practices in corporate governance.”
A workplace as a platform for meaningful contributions
For Marcus, his workplace provides a platform for the meaningful contributions he wants to make in society.
“This is a place where you can see the direct results of your work,” he says. “Whether you’re in risk management, customer service, or clinical roles, you’re contributing to something that genuinely matters.”
For Marcus, the work of Hearing Australia is about creating lasting change—not just for individuals but for entire communities.
“I’m proud to be part of an organisation that supports people at every stage of life,” Marcus says. “From empowering kids to succeed in school to helping elders maintain their independence, our work enhances quality of life in ways that ripple through families and communities. And that’s a legacy worth building.”
