Collie’s indigenous youth have been given a sustainable employment opportunity after a memorandum of understanding was signed last week.
A deal between the Noongar group Indigneous Workabout and the Leschenault Catchment Council will see local indigenous workers being employed in steady, meaningful paid work.
Both organisations will work together on conservation projects, seed collection, revegetation, monitoring, weed control and other land care work.
The memorandum of understanding was officiated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray and he said it was a wonderful opportunity.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for employment in Collie. There’s always been a problem about young indigenous people getting jobs so this memorandum of understanding is really exciting for the town of Collie,” Mr Murray said.
Shire President Sarah Stanley said the partnership would help bridge the gap in employment opportunities.
“The partnership takes advantage of our local natural resources in providing a steady supply of meaningful work and training, helping to bridge the gap in employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Cr Stanley said.
Indigenous Workabout owner Dean Wynne said members of the community were already contacting him to get on board.
“I’ve already had Collie blokes coming to me saying they want to be part of it. It’s good for them and good for the community,” he said.
LCC Chairman Adrian Azzari-Colley said the project was a perfect fit.
“Who better to work on local landcare projects than the traditional owners of this land,” Mr Azzari-Colley said.
