New jobs coming to remote communities

Grants are now open for eligible employers to create jobs under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.

The program will create 3000 jobs over three years by giving eligible employers an opportunity to apply for funding for wages and equipment so they can hire local people.

This new program has been designed in partnership with remote communities through consultations which took place over 2023 and 2024. The design of the RJED program has also been based on what we learnt from job trials and testing new ways to create jobs in specific remote communities.

Jobs can be part-time, full-time or casual and be flexible around personal, family and community obligations – depending on what individual communities want and need. 

Employers can apply for a grant now until 3 February 2025. A second grant round will open from 4 February 2025.

Andrew Sena works in a job with Tangentyere Council, funded through a Community Development Program (CDP) Trial project. 

“You learn about chainsaw, you learn about whipper snipper, you learn about lawnmower. And if you feel down, they’ll cheer you up by talking to you. They’ll help you..

“It’s kind of helped me change my ways – and they helped me get my Learners back. I was on my Learners and now I’m on my P’s, and on my C class. I’m doing all right, changing my ways.”

Employers who would like to apply for a grant are encouraged to speak with their community about what jobs and projects they want.

Update on the remote employment service 

The RJED program is the first stage in the replacement of the CDP.

Design and delivery of the remote employment service is the second stage of replacing CDP. This will give job seekers the skills and resources they need to take up job opportunities, including those created through the RJED program. 

For those job seekers who are currently looking for work or may need help to get job ready, remote employment services will be available.

Current CDP services will continue to support remote job seekers and we will work to ensure a smooth transition between programs. 

Find out more about the RJED program and how to apply for a grant at www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs. 

Employers can also access a dedicated RJED Grant Opportunity Helpdesk on 1800 939 500 or REAS@niaa.gov.au.