Indigenous workers help in cyclone clean up

Forty Indigenous Australians have been working with Quality Innovation Training and Employment (QITE) on the recovery and clean up of the cyclone affected Cassowary Coast.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib and Senator for Queensland Jan McLucas said the project provided valuable skills and experience for the participants while contributing to rebuilding the Cassowary Coast region after Cyclone Yasi.

“It’s inspiring to see the impact projects like this have had on the rebuilding efforts,” Senator Arbib said.

“The project supports eight weeks of employment, mentoring and the completion of a construction White Card and First Aid/CPR courses.  It will also cover the cost of removing vegetation uprooted as a result of the devastating winds from Cyclone Yasi.”

Senator McLucas said the program was a result of more than $415,000 from the Australian Government’s Indigenous Employment Program.

“Following this eight week project QITE will assist the 40 participants to find longer-term, sustainable employment using the skills they have gained,” Senator McLucas said.

“The project is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council managed by QITE.”

“This important initiative is part of the emergency response to Cyclone Yasi to assist the Cassowary Coast with its recovery and clean up while also providing work to unemployed residents affected by the storm.”

“It has been a tough year for the Cassowary Coast following the damage inflicted by Yasi, including for many of the participants. While they are receiving quality training and support to prepare them for long term work, they are also contributing to the rebuilding of their own communities.”

Senator Arbib said it was critical that Indigenous Australians had the support and training they needed to take up employment opportunities.

“Over the next four years the Australian Government has committed almost $650 million to the Indigenous Employment Program,” Senator Arbib said. 

“This is part of the Australian Government’s target to create more than 100,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.”