New Streamlined Service In Central Australia To Help People Into Work And Strengthen Communities

04 May 2013

The transition to the Australian Government’s new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) is underway with the announcement of service providers ahead of the program’s start on 1 July.

Visiting Alice Springs today with Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins announced the providers chosen to deliver RJCP in the remote regions of central Australia.

"More people in remote regions of the Northern Territory will be helped to get jobs and participate in their communities through this new program,” Ms Collins said.

"The RJCP tackles the main obstacles preventing people in remote communities from working and participating in meaningful activities that contribute to the strength and sustainability of their community.

"It helps address the extra challenges faced by job seekers in remote areas in finding local jobs and the needs of employers who often have trouble finding skilled workers.

"The appointed providers will help ensure local people are ready to take up local jobs. They will support individuals who are not working to participate in training or activities that will contribute to their communities and make them work-ready.”

Mr Snowdon said he was familiar with the work of the RJCP providers selected to deliver the new services in the remote regions around Alice Springs.

"I am pleased that these services will be delivered in the remote regions of central Australia, by trusted local organisations and councils with strong ties to their communities and local knowledge," Mr Snowdon said.

"Working closely with communities in the regions will mean the priorities and goals for participation, training, employment and long-term development reflects exactly what those communities need.

"These new providers will be able to spend more time with people in their communities, and develop stronger relationships which will pave the way for more people getting into work."

Providers selected to provide RJCP in the remote regions around Alice Springs:

Remote Region - Provider

Alice Springs District - Tangentyere Council Incorporated

Far West Alice Region - Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Council with proposed subcontractors: Complete Personnel SA Pty Ltd; Desert Peoples Centre; Ingkerreke Commercial; and Karen Sheldon Catering Pty Ltd

South West Alice Region - Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd trading as Anangu Jobs

North West Alice Region - Central Desert Shire Council

North East Alice Region - Barkly Shire Council

South East Alice Region - Catholic Church of the Diocese of Darwin Property Trust (CatholicCare NT)

West Alice Region - Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation with Industry Services Training Pty Ltd as their proposed subcontractor

Ms Collins said the Australian Government had undertaken a competitive, open and fair process to find suitable RJCP providers across remote Australia.

"We are taking four jobs services functions and putting them into one,” Ms Collins said.

"Under the RJCP, job seekers, including those on Community Development Employment Projects wages, will be able to go to just one provider and receive the personalised support they need.

"Employers will find that their local RJCP provider is able to get to know their needs better and help link them to job seekers who have the skills and drive they are looking for.”

Ms Collins also announced that the Indian Ocean Group Training Association had been selected as the RJCP provider for the Christmas-Cocos Islands Region.

"A review of remote employment and participation services in 2011 and subsequent extensive consultations identified what was, and wasn’t, working in remote communities,” Ms Collins said.

"The Australian Government is committed to minimising disruption for job seekers, communities and employers during the transition period.”

Source: http://www.investinaustralia.com/news/new-streamlined-service-central-australia-help-people-work-and-strengthen-communities-12c3