Having recently become the jobactive Work for the Dole (WFD) Coordinator for the Mackay employment region, BUSY At Work now have their first project underway at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre in Cannonvale.
BUSY’s Business Development Officer for Mackay, Laurie Parkinson said it was exciting to have this project as the first to start within the new contract for WFD.
“The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is renovating their premises to make room for the growing number of community educational, group based activities and outreach services who use the centre. We applaud this project and believe it will provide real skills for the two job seekers who are now undertaking the Work for the Dole program at the centre,” Ms Parkinson said.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer, Rebecca Woods said the renovations would enable the centre to facilitate more programs as well as attract more outreach services to the local Whitsunday community.
“The Op shop and the second hand furniture shed are joined under the one roof. The renovations will allow us to have a dedicated counselling room as well as a new training room. These will be built in the old Op shop building. Our current counselling room has a 95% occupancy so the new rooms will allow us to expand our services to the community,” Ms Woods said.
Ms Woods said the two (WFD) participants who commenced last week would be involved in a range of maintenance and gardening projects as well as assisting with furniture pickup and deliveries during the six month program.
“We are thankful for the support we have received from BUSY At Work and are pleased to be a host provider for the Work for the Dole program. We are keen to continue our participation in the program and are looking to host another project in the future which will involve 18 Work for the Dole participants,” Ms Woods said.
The WFD program is an initiative of the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Employment.
BUSY At Work, WFD Administration Support Officer, Debbie Hildebrand said the Mackay office was keen to encourage more not-for-profit organisations and local, state and Commonwealth Government agencies to become potential hosts for projects.
“These projects are about giving job seekers work skills which will potentially help them find a job as well as making a positive contribution to the local Mackay community.”
“Job seekers working on these projects not only gain valuable experience in a real work environment but it may also improve their confidence and self-esteem,” Ms Hildebrand said.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY At Work was pleased to have their first (WFD) project underway at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre in Cannonvale.
“We are keen to expand our role in the Mackay region and to work with local organisations to improve employment outcomes. We believe it will not only enhance the local community but provide real job prospects for local job seekers,” Mr Miles said.
If your organisation would like to offer a Work for the Dole placement you can contact BUSY At Work’s, Work for the Dole Coordinator to discuss the opportunity. To find out more call BUSY At Work 13 BUSY (13 28 79).
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
