Aboriginal men work towards future

TEN YOUNG Fraser Coast Aboriginal men have been working towards future jobs in a State Government-funded indigenous employment program.

“This group is the youngest we've had in six of these Indigenous People Working Together projects,” Dhugamin CDEP co-ordinator Steve Vea Vea said yesterday.

“They've just done their first four weeks of the 14-week program, with half of them working with the council and the others with Wide Bay Water.”

Andrew Fraser, Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development, yesterday said that $134,420 had been set aside to cover the 10 men's wages.

“The support of two important local employers ensures the support and training being delivered meets workforce expectations and so far the participants are going well.”

Steve Vea Vea said the council group had been laying grass and completing some small construction projects with the Parks and Gardens team.

“They are all learning a lot and are building self-confidence.

“We have to get a 50 per cent jobs outcome with these projects and once again I am confident at least half of these guys will find permanent work at the end of their training.”