New pathways for Indigenous jobseekers on the NSW South Coast

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government is investing $500,000 in Indigenous owned and operated company, Corporate Connexions, to deliver two innovative projects that will design new ways for Indigenous jobseekers to secure work on the New South Wales South Coast.

The You Can’t BE What You Can’t SEE project encourages Indigenous jobseekers to explore and connect to careers they may not have thought or imagined possible.

The Never Say Never Pre-employment project emphasises the importance to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of never giving up on themselves or their dreams when faced with life’s challenges.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the projects engage jobseekers, employers and the community as partners in addressing unemployment.

“Infrastructure projects and emerging supply chains are generating new opportunities across the South Coast, and we need to bridge the gap between employers and Indigenous jobseekers to help fill those roles.

“These two projects will ensure employers and jobseekers work together to address barriers and offer solutions at each stage of employment journey.

“The You Can’t BE What You Can’t SEE project will provide tailored, individual support for Indigenous jobseekers as they become prepared for full time work, and help build culturally safe environments in their workplaces.

“The Never Say Never Pre-employment project places a focus on including families, care givers, educators and Elders in the process of transitioning people into the workforce.”

CEO of Corporate Connexions International, Lani Blanco-Francis, said both projects will leverage the strong relationships Corporate Connexions has in the community.

“Corporate Connexions has already been undertaking pro-bono cultural safety and retention work and we look forward to taking this to the next level, using our embedded mentoring teams to support jobseekers.

“It is a priority for many on the South Coast to secure long-term employment, including employees and employers, and we will do all that we can to bring these groups together to make this connection.”

These projects are made possible with funding from the Indigenous Local Employment Fund (ILEF) under the Morrison Government’s $5.7 billion Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).

The ILEF funds short-term, one-off proposals between $5,000 and $250,000 to help Indigenous jobseekers overcome obstacles in accessing local employment opportunities and provide pathways into short-term labour markets, particularly where COVID-19 has had a significant impact on job opportunities.

The Morrison Government is empowering Indigenous Australians through economic pathways to increase Indigenous skills and create jobs.