Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce launched

THE Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce has received $400,000 to create employment and upskilling opportunities across the region.

The taskforce brings together local Aboriginal community representatives, employers, groups and businesses to reduce barriers facing Aboriginal people looking for work and drive better employment outcomes.

There are a growing number of job opportunities within the Geelong area across the Victorian public sector, major projects funded by the Victorian government, and the private and community sectors.

According to the taskforce, there is an opportunity for concerted action by the Victorian government, working alongside the local Aboriginal community, to improve Aboriginal career pathways.

To be co-chaired by Geelong MP Christine Couzens and Sharelle McGuirk from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the taskforce’s membership will initially comprise representatives from Wadawurrung, Weenthunga, Seeker Global, Deakin University, Strong Brother Strong Sister, Wan Yaari and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, and others may be invited to join as observers or members.

The taskforce has five responsibilities:

Receive regular briefings on Victorian government policy directions, services and investment related to local employment opportunities

Identify continuing opportunities and challenges for Aboriginal employment within the public sector, in government-funded initiatives and projects as well as the private sector

Explore options for a community-based and/or commercial Aboriginal Employment Service/Enterprise model that provides appropriate and culturally safe access to employment

Source the latest region-specific Aboriginal employment data (including workforce demographics and unemployment), and

Provide recommendations to Employment Minister Jaala Pulford on further work to promote the employment of Aboriginal people in the Geelong region.

Ms Pulford and Ms Couzens visited Geelong earlier this month to formally launch the taskforce, and Ms Pulford also announced a $850,000 grant for the Ngarrimili cultural hub in central Geelong during her visit.

“This initiative will ensure Aboriginal Victorians are supported with the services they need to realise their potential and career goals, and we are proud to support it,” she said.

“Both the Ngarrimili hub and the work of the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce will be a launch pad for the next generation of Aboriginal people living in the Geelong region.”