Wunan Well Placed for New Employment Contract

28 March 2012

The provision of employment services to Indigenous communities is set to change again as the Commonwealth Government reviews its remote employment model with a view to implementation in July 2013. Details at this stage are scant, but it is hoped that it will result in stronger incentives for those actively seeking or engaged in employment and alignment with those providers already providing real employment outcomes.

Through this and other organisational and policy changes that have occurred, Wunan has consistently worked to provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley; enabling them to choose their future and move toward economic independence. Wunan’s employment team – the preeminent provider in the East Kimberley – continues to work with its clients in locations right across the region, to identify and resolve barriers and create opportunities.

In an exciting new initiative, Wunan has developed a residential pre-employment program in Halls Creek, through the Indigenous Employment Program. The program – Dawn Til Dusk – incorporates intensive pre-employment training and support delivered by staff of the Bina-waji Aboriginal Corporation on the Burks Park pastoral lease, followed by the opportunity for a work experience placement and on-going employment.

Wunan CEO, Nick Thomas, said the Wunan team strongly believed the six month pilot had the opportunity to change lives of not just the participants, but entire families, for the better.

“The key to this program is the intensive, culturally appropriate and highly supported environment within which the participants will receive their training,” he said.

“Couple that with a well-connected program coordinator who understands our clients, the local labour market and employer needs and we’re looking forward to an exciting level of success from this pilot,” he said.

Wunan placed 240 Indigenous people into employment in 2011 and continues to develop innovative solutions, while waiting for the new remote employment model to be announced and assess the impact it is likely to have on delivering employment opportunities in the East Kimberley.

Topic: Employment