Call to get more people into remote jobs
Applications have opened for the first round of the Community Development Fund (CDF), an integral element of the Gillard Government’s new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) which will help more people get into jobs and participate in their communities across remote Australia.
Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin today called on local organisations to apply for grants from the $237.5 million Community Development Fund.
“The Gillard Government wants to support people in remote communities to get jobs and participate in their communities,” Ms Macklin said.
“This funding will help local organisations to address the challenges faced by job seekers and employers in remote areas by helping local people get ready for work.
“Communities needs and priorities will be central to the Community Development Fund. The fund will cover a broad range of projects that help improve communities and support social and economic participation.”
Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon said the RJCP, which starts from 1 July 2013 will deliver more streamlined and flexible employment and participation services in remote communities.
“Working closely with communities in the regions will mean the priorities and goals for participation, training, employment and long-term development reflect exactly what those communities need,” Mr Snowdon said.
“New providers will be able to spend more time with people in their communities, and develop stronger relationships which will pave the way to for more people getting into work.”
The RJCP builds on the strengths of existing services – Job Services Australia, Disability Employment Services, the Indigenous Employment Program and Community Development Employment Projects. It follows a comprehensive review of existing services and responds to concerns raised by people living in remote communities during extensive consultations.
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins said delivering innovative, targeted initiatives in remote communities is a high priority.
“We want to see local Indigenous organisations delivering projects funded by the CDF across remote Australia and supporting the priorities communities have identified,” Ms Collins said.
“That’s why we’ve made it possible for a wide range of organisations to apply for CDF funding including remote Indigenous community organisations, local councils, non-government organisations, local employers as well as RJCP providers.”
The application period will be open for four weeks and will close on 21 June 2013. Program guidelines and the application form for the CDF are available at www.fahcsia.gov.au/grants-funding.
A telephone advisory service will be available for applicants to discuss the development of the business case for their CDF proposal by calling 1800 755 650.
Any questions about the application process should be emailed to RJCPCommunityDevelopmentFund@fahcsia.gov.au.