The Albanese Labor Government has underscored its commitment to South Australian women facing complex barriers to employment by providing $600,000 in new funding to the GOGO Foundation.
The funding, delivered under the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity, will allow the GOGO Foundation - a social enterprise - to continue to deliver its nine-week trauma-informed Inclusive Work Program for women and non-binary Australians.
The program which has so far supported more than 68 participants since 2021 empowers those with additional challenges to employment - including those who have faced family, domestic and sexual violence - to build their educational, social and technical capabilities to participate in employment.
The Inclusive Work Program is held in small groups of 8-10 and also provides participants with support to:
- address and overcome personal barriers;
- navigate and resolve systematic barriers experienced in legal, housing, health and financial systems; and
- support their ongoing engagement in social, civic and economic environments.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted the positive impacts the funding will have on those women the program assists, along with their families and the broader community.
"We're committed to ensuring all Australians are supported and empowered to overcome barriers to employment," Minister Rishworth said.
"This will ultimately ensure more Australians have the chance to thrive, free from intolerance and discrimination.
"Through this program, women will have the opportunity to learn, build their confidence and wellbeing, and develop their skills to increase economic participation."
The program will be delivered through six rounds and will ensure that participants receive targeted support and capability development.
Through this program extension, an additional 50 women are anticipated to be supported from June 2024 to July 2025.
Chief executive of the GOGO Foundation Sarah Gun said the funding commitment from the Federal Government would allow us to expand the Inclusive Work Program.
"The Inclusive Work Program is a carefully curated, person-centred wraparound program of support and safety. We don't judge our participants, we see them for all their strengths, all their beauty and all that's possible for them to live a thriving life," Ms Gun said.
The GOGO Foundation says six months after completing the Inclusive Work Program, 80 per cent of graduates are either working in a job that they love, or studying.
Minister Rishworth said that the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity grants are all about funding local, on-the-ground organisations to support those in need to build their social and economic capability.
"These vital grants aim to build strong, resilient, cohesive, and harmonious communities," Minister Rishworth said.
"I am proud to be part of a government that understands and values the important work of local organisations like GOGO Foundation."
