From July 1, the Australian Government’s new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) will kick off, helping communities in South West Queensland get linked up with employment opportunities.
The program will be rolled out to 59 remote regions across Australia, providing a more “streamlined and flexible” employment and participation service in these communities.
“The RJCP provider [MAXNetwork Pty Ltd, subcontracting to Paroo Shire Council] will help ensure people in communities like Cunnamulla and Charleville are ready to take up local jobs,” minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins said.
“They will support individuals who are not working to participate to their capacity in training or activities that will contribute to their communities as well as making them more work-ready.”
Some key features of the new program include personalised support for job seekers, Remote Youth Leadership and Development Corps to help young people with the successful transition from school to work, and the development of Community Action Plans to identify resources and strategies to overcome barriers to employment and participation.
Ms Collins said that the program is based on community and involvement, and will encourage and promote “collaborative, community-driven” approaches to employment.
