BUSY At Work is supporting a creative Work for the Dole (WFD) project in Sarina which will not only provide a major tourism boost for the local region but help participants learn new job skills.
BUSY At Work, Work for the Dole Coordinator for Mackay Employment Region, Kristy Gostelow said BUSY was working in partnership with non-profit welfare organisation, New Life Community Services in developing a new community website to highlight the wonderful attractions Sarina had to offer.
Kristy said the website was the brainchild of the Sarina Innovative Design Project team, a group of local residents participating in the Work for the Dole Program – Career Advancement Program.
“The team meet weekly to fulfill their WFD requirements under the new jobactive scheme. As part of their project activities, the team brainstormed issues that they felt were contributing to the unemployment rate in the region.”
“One of the issues the participants identified was the perceived lack of activities in Sarina. The group concluded that a stylish online community website hub that promoted the broad range of activities and events in Sarina would help retain tourists and assist new residents moving to the area.”
New Life Community Services WFD Coordinator, Nathan Cunneen said the participants had really embraced learning about website design.
“We have had a range of people from all ages and it has been exciting to watch them learn leadership and team work skills through mentoring.”
Kristy said BUSY was very proud of what New Life Community Services had accomplished in a short period.
“Throughout the project the participants have had the opportunity to upskill their knowledge base, develop their creative problem solving skills, learn about website development and event management as well as gain jobs and training opportunities,” Ms Hildebrand said.
“Nathan and his project team have been doing wonderful things and the participants have been keen to learn new activities such as brochure design and event management. This project has also helped place people in supervisor paid positions.”
“We look forward to the Innovative Design Project team continuing to make a difference in the Sarina community for the next six months. At the end of their time on the project we want the participants to be proud of what they have achieved and the community they live in,” Ms Hildebrand added.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to be an active participant in the new Work for the Dole initiative.
“We are excited to be supporting this project and know the community will have an impressive new website to help promote attractions and community events in Sarina. As more employers come on board, the project will also realise the potential for greater employment opportunities in tourism as it develops,” Mr. Miles said.
BUSY At Work became the jobactive (WFD) Coordinator for the Mackay employment region on 1 July last year and the Sarina Innovative Design Project is just one of a number of exciting new projects underway in the Mackay region.
The WFD program is an initiative of the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Employment.
To find out if your community or club is eligible to have a WFD program in place check out www.workforthedole.com.au or call 13 BUSY 13 (2879).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
