Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates (third from right), pictured during the funding announcement on 21 January, says the delivery of programs in Bamaga, Thursday Island and Lockhart River will pave the way for genuine local employment opportunities. Photo: Facebook (Ros Bates MP).
A Cairns-based organisation has received $200,000 in State Government funding to deliver training to participants in Thursday Island, Bamaga and Lockhart River as part of a program aimed at upskilling regional and remote Indigenous communities.
Wakaid is one of 15 projects to receive a combined $2.8 million funding green light through the latest round of the government’s Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development grant program.
The program provides opportunities for former offenders, young people, school leavers and women to gain the skills and training they need to secure local jobs, with approved projects including workplace confidence development, cultural onboarding, mental health support and learner driver assistance.
In a boost for Lockhart River, Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation also received $45,700 to assist young women aged 15-24 gain employment as Indigenous rangers and take on the responsibility of managing the Indigenous Protected Area overseen by the organisation.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding would pave the way for genuine local employment opportunities in the region.
“Organisations like Wakaid Pty Ltd will support up to 14 participants from Cairns, Thursday Island, Bamaga and Lockhart River to obtain the skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the marine dive industry, including the crown of thorns starfish control program,” she said.
“An important project tailored to the region, participants will gain the regulatory dive certification requirements and additional training in first aid, advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy to be part of the control program or work in marine tourism, marine research, or commercial sector.”
Wakaid director and part owner Frank Aragu said the project would provide training and employment pathways to safeguard the pristine marine environments in the northernmost part of the state.
“Our Malu Gubal project will help address local workforce needs, establish a direct connection to local services and employers for our participants and help protect the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
