$2.8 million supports First Nations-led training and local jobs
- 15 projects equipping First Nations job seekers with in-demand skills and training will be funded in the latest round of the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program.
- $2.8 million has been committed to the First Nations-designed and led employment pathway projects.
- Cairns-based Wakaid Pty Ltd has been approved for $200,000 to provide a pathway for First Nations people to get the skills, training and qualifications to work in the dive industry.
The Crisafulli Government is strengthening its commitment to upskilling Queenslanders with a focus on First Nations communities in regional areas.
A $2.8 million funding commitment will provide opportunities for former offenders, young people, school leavers, and women to gain the skills and training they need to secure local jobs.
Projects include workplace confidence development, cultural onboarding, foundation skills, mental health support and learner driver assistance.
In the Far North, $484,700 will support up to 50 participants in earning qualifications including;
- Certificate III in Community Services,
- Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management,
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or
- Marine dive certification.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding was part of the Crisafulli Government focusing on The Right Plan for Queensland's Future.
"Through the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program, we're providing First Nations people with an opportunity to train, upskill, reskill and pursue careers in vital industries - including community services and local tourism industries here in Cairns," Minister Bates said.
"Organisations like Wakaid Pty Ltd will support up to 14 participants from Cairns, Thursday Island, Bamaga and Lockhart River to obtain the skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the marine dive industry, including the Crown of Thorns Starfish control program.
"An important project tailored to the region, participants will gain the regulatory dive certification requirements and additional training in first aid, advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy to be part of the control program or work in marine tourism, marine research, or commercial sector."
Minister for Women, Women's Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the LNP Government was working to provide more job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state.
"When we look at the national Closing the Gap targets, Queensland is not on track against five targets relating to life expectancy, year 12 or Certificate III attainment, tertiary education, youth employment or training, or appropriate housing," Minister Simpson said.
Part Owner and Director of Wakaid, Frank Aragu said the project will provide training and employment pathways that safeguards one of the world's most iconic natural areas.
"Our Malu Gubal project will help address local workforce needs, establish a direct connection to local services and employers for our participants and help protect the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Aragu said.
Member for Barron River Bree James said Young Traditional Owners in Lockhart River will have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management thanks to Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation's Skilling the Next Generation Living and Working on Country project.
"Participants can gain employment as Indigenous Rangers and take on the responsibility of managing the Indigenous Protected Area overseen by the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation."
Projects will also be delivered in Townsville, Palm Island, Rockhampton, Gladstone Woorabinda, and across Southeast Queensland, and will include workshops to build the cultural competency of local non-Indigenous employers.
For a full list of successful projects visit: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/community-orgs/iwsdg
