More training opportunities for Aboriginal people in Roelands

The Australian Government will invest $50,000 to help establish a caf’e, training centre and bush garden at Roelands Village in Western Australia.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the establishment of the Outback Academy is supported by celebrated and renowned Indigenous chef, Mark Olive, known as ‘The Black Olive’.

“This Academy will be a valuable training base for Indigenous people living in the Roelands area who want to become chefs or be involved in the hospitality industry,” Ms Macklin said.

“The caf’e will employ 12 to 15 apprentices from the local community who will work in the caf’e and undertake accredited training in hospitality and business.

“The project will also establish a bush garden to grow fresh produce, including traditional bush foods and plants.

“The bush garden will help supply produce to the caf’e for use in the community and schools programs, which form a core part of this project,” Ms Macklin said.

As part of the community program, the project will run classes for local students to learn about the traditional food and plants, including cooking lessons, along with the history of Roelands Village and the local Indigenous culture.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous primary and secondary students will be able to visit the Outback Academy to participate in healthy eating and cultural awareness programs, and students will be able to do work experience in the caf’e.

“Traditional owners and other community members will provide information to school children about living healthy lifestyles, Indigenous history of the area, caring for country, and the use of bush foods and plants in cooking,” Ms Macklin said.

The program will also build personal development, employment skills, cultural knowledge and business skills through the RESPECT program which will be embedded in the pre-employment and accredited training program for all participants in the Outback Academy project.

The Roelands Village Outback Academy and Cafe project will be further supported by a private investor, the Bluenergy Group Pty.