Jobs Fund supports young people in Bundaberg

Minister for Housing and Status of Women Tanya Plibersek today visited the Salvation Army (Queensland) Property Trust’s ‘Experience the Change’ project in Bundaberg.

The Salvation Army Property Trust has received more than $936,000 in funding through the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund to provide jobs and training to unemployed youth in the local community.

‘Experience the Change’ provides training and employment opportunities for young people in the manufacture of furniture from recycled timber as part of a viable self-sustaining business.

The project has already created 26 jobs and 36 traineeships and work experience positions for disadvantaged young people.

‘Experience the Change’ has also established a community garden project and is engaged in regenerating native bushland and growing and selling bush tucker produce.

“This innovative business will enable unemployed youth in the Bundaberg community to gain valuable skills and work experience in a positive environment,”
Ms Plibersek said.

“It’s a fantastic project and a great example of how well-targeted, local investment can provide invaluable support to the community and lead to the creation of real jobs.

“The best thing we can do to help disadvantaged people improve their lives is to provide them with the education and training they need to get people into jobs.”

The Jobs Fund supports social enterprises as a part of the Government’s commitment to delivering better and more targeted employment assistance to areas most in need.

Funding for the Jobs Fund was negotiated with the support of the Australian Greens and Senator Stephen Fielding.