Community projects helping remote job seekers build skills, confidence and pathways to work
Remote Australia Employment Services (RAES) community projects are now underway in more than 60 remote communities across the country, supporting job seekers, enterprise development and pathways into real jobs. Community projects are a key feature of RAES, offering practical opportunities for job seekers while giving communities a greater say in designing locally tailored projects that reflect their priorities.
This approach has been tested and proven through previous job trials, with over 18,000 remote job seekers gaining access to work experience, mentoring and training incentives, and 3,000 people securing job placements. Around 25 per cent of RAES provider funding will be invested in establishing locally designed community projects, recognising communities know what works best for them and what will support long-term economic participation.
Locally designed community projects help job seekers build the skills, experience and confidence needed to move into paid employment with local businesses and enterprises, including jobs created under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program. Projects could include construction training to help job seekers develop carpentry skills, a small café offering hospitality and food preparation training or initiatives to build the local aged care workforce.
In Port Hedland Western Australia, RAES provider Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation is delivering pre-employment programs including tailored work plans, practical training, workplace experience and mentoring. In the Groote Archipelago in the Northern Territory, RAES provider Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island Enterprises Aboriginal Corporation (GEBIE) is delivering the Next Gen Program with cultural, vocational and skills development activities to support pathways into employment or further education.
For more information about RAES, visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-services (link is external) Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy: “Community projects are about backing local people and local ideas, giving opportunities to people in remote communities to build their skills, gain experience and move into meaningful work.
“We know how important a job is, not only for an individual, but for their family and their community. “By supporting locally led projects and creating pathways into jobs and enterprise, we are helping build stronger communities and stronger local economies.” Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour: “Community projects provide an alternative to the traditional top-down approach of government service delivery by sharing decision making and designing in partnership services that are more responsive to local needs.
Most importantly, they empower local people to build their skills, experience and confidence and join in delivery of these services through work experience and employment. “Community projects are making a real difference in the lives of people in remote communities. They create purpose, community connection and meaningful employment for people on the ground where it has the greatest impact.
“When local people are supported and invested in, real opportunities can be realised.” Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.