On Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Shire Council has a much closer relationship with its community than most local authorities.
One of its principle concerns is to bring about meaningful and ongoing employment for its 1,100 residents. With traditional means of earning a living disrupted by 200 years of colonisation, and more recently the intrusion of global economics, Queensland’s only Aboriginal Council is seeking solutions.
Training in useful skills that can bring about worthwhile employment of direct value to the Island’s inhabitants is essential. Piecemeal programs with little or short term relevance to the community do little to resolve employment difficulties.
Under the New Work Opportunity Program, training has been very successful due to it directly addressing the needs of the local community.
Trainees have gained boating skills and licences, accredited nursery qualifications and landscaping skills all essential in an island economy. Sixty eight volunteer firefighters have also been accredited. Training in steel fabrication for trailers, laying of storm water pipes and the use of earth moving equipment have all assisted during the wet season.
By enhancing skills on home ground, trainees are inducted directly into mainstream employment in the community which is the ultimate employment goal of the Shire.
“The next step is to set up enterprises where quality trained people can be placed in quality positions,” said Chief Executive Officer Garry Hooper. The ultimate aim is for community members to take over the total running of Council.”
According to Trevor Horan, Council’s Training Manager, the success of the program is evident through the high attendance record the program has achieved.
“The self esteem developed in each person is extreme,” Trevor said. Through such an innovative program the unique nature of Mornington Island is addressed and the people of the Island can take control of their own community and determine the way it will operate in the modern world.
For further information contact Trevor Horan, telephone (077) 45 7339.
