Norlane community threatened with closure

LOCAL organisations are rallying to save Northern Futures employment services after state government funding was not renewed in June’s budget,

leaving clients and staff with a bleak outlook for the new year.

Give Where You Live and GeelongPort have teamed up to spearhead fundraising efforts to

save the organisation through the launch of an online appeal.

All donations on the first day, December 6, were doubled, resulting in over $6,000 being raised for the event.

Northern Futures Board Chair Rob Birch expressed gratitude to the Give Where You Live Foundation and GeelongPort for their support.

“Even before our public announcement, Give Where You Live committed to organising a Giving Day. Now GeelongPort has joined with Give Where You Live to lead fundraising efforts,” he said.

“We encourage other Geelong businesses to support Northern Futures to continue its successful education to employment programs in the north.

“We work with some of Geelong’s most disadvantaged communities, and we have a proven track record in helping people transform their lives.

“Our programs combine training and intensive mentoring to get people into jobs. But without immediate financial support, we won’t be able to run our training programs in 2024.”

Mr Birch urgently called on the state government to recognise the entrenched disadvantage in Corio-Norlane, and to reconsider its decision not to renew Northern Futures’ contracts.

“We call on the federal government to commit funding to a successful education-to-employment program,” Mr. Birch said. “We also appeal to local businesses and philanthropic organisations to lend their support and help bridge the funding gap, ensuring the continuity of Northern Futures’ vital programs and services.”

Bill Mithen, CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation, stressed the importance of access to education and quality employment opportunities in supporting community participation and improving life outcomes.

“Unfortunately, there are still many people in our community who either don’t have access or have barriers to participation in education and employment,” he said.

Mr Mithen said that the Give Where You Live Foundation is proudly supporting Northern Futures to ensure the continuation of their vital programs and services.

GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter highlighted the impact that Northern Futures has had in providing education and employment pathways for people in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

“GeelongPort has been part of the social fabric of North Geelong for more than 150 years, and we believe when the community calls for help, it’s important that local businesses step up to lend a hand,” he said.

Donations can be made via the appeal website, northern-futures-appeal.raisely.com/.

The campaign will continue for the month of December.