This week 45 years ago, Martin Punch , Founder and Chair of The BUSY Group, created ‘Backing Unemployed Southport/Surfers Youth’ (aka BUSY) by applying for the old Commonwealth Youth Support Scheme funding. The goal was to change the lives of homeless young people on the Gold Coast.
What started as Martin and a few mates around his kitchen table in 1977, is now a Group of companies operating from over 100 offices or schools across the country and delivering over 28 different Employment, Education and Training programs. We currently employ approximately 1,000 people throughout Australia.
Many people in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Employment Services sectors have passed through the doors of BUSY over the years. They have all contributed to changing the thousands (upon thousands) of lives, empowering some of our most marginalised community members to gain skills, a career path, and financial independence through meaningful employment.
Paul Miles, Managing Director of The BUSY Group stated: “The BUSY Group have always been passionate about what we do, and we’re genuinely driven to help people change their lives through education, training and employment.
“On behalf of the Board and myself, we extend a massive thank you to everyone who has worked for us and helped us build this incredible organisation. Thank you to everyone from across Government and Industry who helped make this happen, and thank you and congratulations to everyone who has used our services. We’re not having a big party for our 45th, but watch out for the 50th celebrations in 2027!!!”
For more information on the recruitment, education, training and career support programs provided by The BUSY Group, visit www.busyatwork.com.au
Below are some of the images that captures our beginnings.
We’ve sure come a long way – and The BUSY Group look forward to continuing to provide our much-needed services for many more years ahead.
