The Gold Coast region will benefit from a $56,449 investment to help local job seekers back into work, as part of the Australian Government's Local Recovery Fund.
The Local Recovery Fund is an important part of the Local Jobs Program and the Australian Government's Economic Recovery Plan. The first release of 15 local employment projects comprises an initial investment of more than $2 million.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said local knowledge and community links will continue to play a vital role in Australia's recovery from COVID-19.
'The Local Recovery Fund is supporting Australian communities by both helping people find work and meeting the needs of local employers,' Minister Robert said.
'These region-specific projects are the result of collaboration between Employment Facilitators, Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces, and local businesses.
'This Gold Coast project is one of the initial 15 funded across Australia, aimed at providing invaluable support for regions experiencing high unemployment as a result of the pandemic.'
The Local Recovery Fund supports regions by funding tailored projects to help align job seekers with employment opportunities in their community.
The Top Blokes Foundation has set up an employment pathways project on the Gold Coast, which offers intensive support such as workshops and mentoring over a 12-week period for young men.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said this locally driven, tailor-made project would address the city's priorities by providing mentoring, training and reskilling in line with local employment needs.
'We want to see as many job seekers as possible on the Gold Coast upskill and reskill - using solutions developed by our local community,' Minister Andrews said.
Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell MP said the Top Blokes Foundation will operate out of a facility in Southport and engage at least 60 local young men to help address social barriers and connect them with pathways to secure employment.
'Local tailored programs to create employment pathways on the Gold Coast are vital to our recovery, and this is one of many investments the Morrison Government is making to drive down unemployment in our region,' Ms Bell said.
More details about the Local Jobs Program can be found at www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program
