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Minister launches indigenous traineeship program

Latrobe City’s traineeship program for indigenous people was launched on Friday April 26.

By Latrobe City - 29th April 2002 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s traineeship program for indigenous people was launched on Friday by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Keith Hamilton, State Manager Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Heather Hausler, and Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Brendan Jenkins. The program will serve as a model to other councils and businesses creating job opportunities for the indigenous community.

Mr Hamilton said that the program would empower the indigenous community to access employment opportunities previously not available.

"Latrobe City has recognised the large population of indigenous people living in the municipality and has set about addressing the issues of unemployment and social disadvantage facing them. This project will enable Council to increase employment opportunities for these indigenous people which will in turn lead to an increase in occupational skills for their community," Mr Hamilton said.

Latrobe City’s Indigenous Development Officer, Joanne Brunt said that the employment program would deliver a number of benefits to the community.

"The program will enable program participants to choose a pathway towards a career opportunity of their choice, and is a powerful tool to increase indigenous employment opportunities and career development," Ms Brunt said.

"Statistics show an ever-increasing amount of unemployment, together with escalating problems of youth suicide, alcohol and drug abuse. The base problem is welfare dependent youth, and the best way to avoid welfare is through employment," Ms Brunt said.

Latrobe CEO, Richard Hancock, said Council hoped that the program would develop and deliver a mentoring process within the Koorie community that would foster the development of role models.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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