Photo: The most recent intake of jobseekers, including Bronson, pictured – birding on Big Dog Island – have successfully moved into employment
The TAC Palawa Employment Program (PEP) provides practical support to help the Tasmanian Aboriginal community access employment, job placements and other meaningful work and training opportunities. The PEP team is delighted that participants from a recent trip have all progressed into meaningful employment, job placements or other work opportunities that support long-term financial independence, confidence and community participation.
In April, the PEP program organised for a group of young Palawa men to go mutton birding on Big Dog Island towards the end of yula / mutton bird season. The purpose of the trip was to provide participants from across the State with an opportunity to connect with Country and their heritage, while gaining exposure to a range of industries and employment opportunities, including conservation, transport, logistics and administration.
“PEP provides practical assistance to help jobseekers overcome barriers to employment, including mentoring, transport support, job search skills, interview preparation, obtaining licences and completing training to build confidence and workplace readiness. These supports create greater opportunities for long-term employment and independence,” said Genevieve Cowen, Palawa Employment Team Leader.
“This can include practical support such as driving lessons to help participants secure their driver’s licence, increasing their employment opportunities while also supporting their social and emotional wellbeing.”
“PEP is a voluntary program that supports participants on their pathway while introducing them to new places, people and possibilities. The recent mutton birding trip to Big Dog Island was a beautiful opportunity to connect with this cultural practice in a spectacular setting.”
“These outcomes reflect the importance of culturally grounded employment programs designed and led by Aboriginal organisations for Aboriginal people. PEP continues to demonstrate the value of investing in Aboriginal community-controlled solutions that create lasting employment outcomes for our community,” said Mrs Cowen.
PEP is funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Indigenous Skills and Employment Program.
