Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Green Corps looking after our most valuable resources

For the next three years, the Green Corps initiative will be helping two of Australia’s most valuable resources, Australia’s environment and young people Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony said today.

Mr Anthony was speaking in Hobart at the Job Futures conference to formally commence Job Futures and Greening Australia’s $69 million three year contract to provide the Green Corps initiative for the Federal Government.

“We provide a number of services targetted at young people at risk such as Job Placement, Education and Training (JPET) and Reconnect. Green Corps in another of our highly successful programs giving young people real skills and hope for the future.

“With 1,700 placements a year, Green Corps is a voluntary youth development and environmental training program for young people aged from 17 to 20 years. Each Green Corps project involves 10 young people, under the guidance of a trained leader, working for 26 weeks and for on-the-job environmental and conservation training.

“While Green Corps gives young people experience in environmental conservation and heritage restoration work, it is also designed to help with personal development, teamwork, leadership skills and improved job prospects.

“Green Corps projects are mainly in Australia’s regional and remote areas. The projects focus on places where environmental and heritage restoration, protection and conservation are high priorities. This will be particularly important with the majority of Australia now in drought.

“On the whole, Australia’s young people give us much to be proud of. They have never been better educated, in better health or more involved in the community. However, there are some who need assistance and Green Corps is one highly effective way to give these young people a future.

“Job Futures and Greening Australia is a formidable team and will deliver strong outcomes for participants the environment. This will ensure that Green Corps can grow even stronger, young Australians can get even more from the program and local communities get lasting environmental benefits,” Mr Anthony said.