Two South Coast organisations have received federal funding to deliver Local Jobs, Local People projects to better connect jobseekers with employers, training and tailored assistance.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Albanese Labor Government was again helping people local people gain secure jobs and respond to local workforce needs.
“I’m really proud to support BCR Communities and Salt Care with funding through the Local Job, Local People program to help job seekers move into work, while also supporting local employers to get the workforce they need,” Mrs Phillips said.
BCR Communities will receive $189,080 for its Caring Futures First Nations and Youth Employment Pathways program over two years.
“This is a fantastic initiative that will prepare, train and provide work placements for 40 young people from our Wreck Bay Indigenous Community and surrounding communities in partnership with local colleges,” Mrs Phillips said.
Participants will complete a Certificate III in Individual Support and be supported to gain culturally appropriate work placements and employment in the disability and aged care sectors.
Support will include transport to and from work, support for participants to gain their drivers’ licence and practical experience in the purpose-built, fully equipped aged care/disability cottage and network of local providers.
BCR Communities CEO Heather Marciano said there was a need for a range of transport options and specialised services to help build capacity, confidence and generate opportunities close to home.
“We are really excited to receive this funding because it means we can provide practical supports, wrap around services and training and employment pathways for young people in our local area through a program that aims to help strengthen the local care workforce for years to come,” she said.
“BCR Communities already employs young people across our NDIS and Aged Care services. We find they bring energy, empathy, fresh ideas and a genuine commitment to supporting others.
“We are looking forward to more young people finding employment opportunities across our region including through our local networks and partner organisations as this Local Jobs Local People program progresses.”
Salt Care at Bomaderry will also receive a $150,000 grant for its Pathways Reboot Program, a trauma-informed, 12-week pilot program supporting Shoalhaven residents who have fallen through job service gaps.
“This program will help jobseekers, including First Nations peoples, migrants, young people and mature-aged people get back into the workforce with the help of three local training providers,” Mrs Phillips said.
The program will be run at the Salt Wellness Farm which provides a therapeutic space and a safe setting for personal development, group work and workplace preparation.
Salt Care Founder and CEO Peter Dover has welcomed the news.
“Pathways Reboot will give people who have fallen through the gaps a safe place to rebuild confidence, develop skills and reconnect with meaningful employment and community,” he said.
“We really appreciate the support and are excited to see the impact this program will have across the Shoalhaven.”
Across the country, $10 million in grants are being delivered as part of the extension of the Local Jobs Program to June 20, 2027.
Activities will focus on building skills and clear pathways to address workforce shortages and priority growth sectors such as manufacturing, care and support, digital and emerging technologies and the energy transition.
“The Local Jobs, Local People grants are an important tool to help get locals into sustained employment,” Mrs Phillips said.
“I congratulate BCR Communities and Salt Care on their training initiatives and for their ongoing support of local people needing a pathway into the workforce.
“It’s really great that we are also helping local employers by unlocking the skilled workforce they need, particularly in disability services and aged care.”
