Rockhampton Regional Council has today welcomed an announcement from the state government that will further support local agency Multicultural Australia in getting people into employment in the Rockhampton Region.
The support that Multicultural Australia will receive through Employment Pathways Program funded under Diverse Queensland Workforce (DQW) will assist migrants and international students to find and maintain employment.
Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher said this is a great outcome for not only the 4000 plus migrant workers in our region but it is great news for employers who are looking to fill skills shortages.
"This funding will support Multicultural Australia in preparing people who are often highly skilled but may have language and cultural barriers, for employment with our local businesses," Deputy Mayor Fisher said.
"We are a welcoming and very diverse community, so it is fantastic that this level of support is being made available."
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said over the past 12 months Council has had a strong partnership with Multicultural Australia in developing Council's Upcycle Village.
"The Upcycle Village has been a great example of a multi-agency partnership helping to deliver a program that has positive employment, social and environmental outcomes, Cr Latcham said.
"Through the state government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, Multicultural Australia has helped participants gain construction skills, whilst turning incoming waste materials into new and restored furniture to be used for social housing.
"The benefits of this program are two-fold. It not only diverts waste from landfill by enabling upcycling ideas into financially sustainable enterprises, but it also delivers social benefits and promotes our goal of zero waste.
Resource Recovery Australia are also a key partner in the program, sourcing and handling suitable materials for use at the Upcycling Village.
