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Innovative program finds jobs for 250 people by Susan Cullinan A pioneering employment program has eclipsed expectations, placing 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in jobs in 18 months. The Indigenous Employment and Enterprise Portal developed and run by Red Cross in Queensland is an innovative scheme to place both job seekers, and people seeking to progress their career, into satisfying work. Program Manager Duncan Kerslake said the portal, funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Brisbane City Council placed 206 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into full time and part time employment in the 18 months to the end of 2012. “We set out to achieve 200 placements in that period, so this is a great outcome,” Mr Kerslake said. “In addition, we achieved a 93% retention rate 13 weeks after staff commenced which is double the national average*. This figure was hardly changed at six months, which shows the success of the program. “On top of the 200 full time and part time placements, a further 45 were also employed, either through school based traineerships or in casual employment. “The portal works in close partnership with four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander non government organisations – two in Brisbane’s northside (Kurbingui Youth Development and Umpi Korumba Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Cooperative) and two on the southside (Beenleigh Housing and Development Coorporation and Inala Wangarra). “Its success is built on the employment of four fully mobile community employment coordinators, who are based at one of the four partner Indigenous
Allira Davis is one of more than 200 people to have found work through Red Cross’ Indigenous Employment and Enterprise Portal. Image supplied
NGOs, making them able to meet clients and work with them wherever it’s most suitable. “The Portal demonstrates there is a large demand for employment for Indigenous people but also acknowledges the imporatnce of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in communities, particulalry in urban areas. For many, Indigenous NGOs are often the first port of call for support for things like housing, health and other social and cultural needs.” Red Cross National Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch said the program is in line with Red Cross’ ongoing
commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support those in most need. “Australian Red Cross is increasing its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a presence in more than 120 communities across the country. We aim to support individuals, families and communities as they determine and lead their own solutions to achieve positive change,” Ms Enoch said. “This means we are guided by, and answerable to, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations we work with.”
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