Flinders MP Greg Hunt visited Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings on Friday to inspect a caravan that was refurbished by a group of Work for the Dole participants.
Mr Hunt said the project had helped provide participants with valuable skills, while giving them a sense of satisfaction through giving back to the community.
“It was a pleasure to meet with members of Willum Warrain and its extended community members and friends as well as Envision Employment and participants of this Work for the Dole program and see the fantastic caravan they have refurbished,” Mr Hunt said.
“Under the supervision of Envision Employment, participants have restored a caravan that will be used by Willum Warrain to go out to local schools and teach students about aboriginal culture.
“It will also assist local disengaged Aboriginal youth who may be at risk of mental health problems or other social issues.
“Willum Warrain does a fantastic job in the community to support Aboriginal people across the Westernport region, with a particular focus on indigenous youth and this caravan will help them to continue this work.”
Mr Hunt said the Work for the Dole program helped to give participants the skills they needed to go out and secure permanent work.
“Youth unemployment is a big challenge, which is why programs like these are so important,” Mr Hunt said.
“The feedback from this project has been overwhelmingly positive, both from the community and from the participants.
Envision Employment Director Sean Teer said the program provided assistance and support to job seekers while enhancing local communities.
“At Envision we see the Work for the Dole program as an opportunity to run quality projects for really worthy community organisations, such as the caravan we completed for Willum Warrain,” Mr Teer said.
“Our main focus for participants is to teach them real work skills that will assist them in gaining that all-important job and transitioning into the working community.”