OUR STORIES

Homebase Youth Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Connection is at the heart of our approach to closing the gap for young Indigenous people on the NSW Mid North Coast. 

Community Services General Manager Lisa Berry says: “Our youth workers are dedicated to keeping young people motivated and engaged in school, they work hard to improve the educational outcomes of local Indigenous children.

“Lots of our young people have lower school attendance rates than other kids, there are many reasons for this but often it can be because they’re lacking motivation.”

Homebase Youth Services runs a range of early intervention programs to support Indigenous children aged eight to 14. 

At the Ngarramba Indigenous Homework Club, Homebase youth workers help young people with their homework and play sport with them after school.

“We really connect and get to know these kids, walk alongside them and create opportunities to learn and have fun.”

“Keeping young people motivated and engaged is really important, they do better at school and keep out of trouble.”

The team also works with parents to develop skills, social networking and connection to the community. 

“Getting families involved in their children’s education can have a big impact on learning and educational outcomes.”

James Holder

RESOURCE RECOVERY AUSTRALIA

It took 21-year-old James Holder a long time to find a job.

“I spent three years non-stop looking, putting my resume in to every place I could,” he told ABC News.

“But because I didn’t have the skills, I couldn’t get a job.”

An employment agency suggested he apply for a job with Reviva Ibis which had recently opened in Rockhampton – and he got the job.

“Every day is a blessing. Just having work and having something to do with life and actually getting somewhere, it’s a lovely thing, it’s awesome.”

James is one of 13 locals employed at RRA’s new site in Rockhampton, opened this year. Social connections with workmates and customers have made a real difference in his life.

“I meet new people and learn new things every day through new customers.” 

James enjoys talking to his family about different ways of doing things. 

“They learn, I learn, it’s a big learning curve for everyone.”

He’s also planning for the future.

“The more skills the better. I don’t have a forklift ticket, but that’s what they’re working on getting me to do.

“I’m looking at something like construction because it’s hands-on, it’s outside and it’s just lovely working with people you know, and you get along with.”

Cliodhna Maguire

GREEN CONNECT

When Cliodhna Maguire (Clia) came to Green Connect in 2020, she didn’t feel confident about her future job prospects.

She knew she loved being outdoors but had no idea how to turn that passion into a job. She also wanted to work in an industry that helped her connect to her Indigenous heritage.

A friend suggested she apply for Green Connect’s Youth Employment Program. 

“Green Connect really was a sliding doors moment for me, it was the catalyst for helping me realise where I wanted to go in my career.”

At Green Connect she found a community of shared values, vision and meaning. The people she met, the support and encouragement she received, and the genuine care for her as a person helped her find her direction. 

Green Connect Engagement and Support Manager Ann Burbrook saw Clia’s passion for outdoor work and suggested she do a horticultural course for people from Indigenous backgrounds. 

“All of my experiences at Green Connect gave me the strength to find and follow a dream,” Clia said. 

“I was given responsibility for projects. I was trusted and respected. And it was this breadth of experience that was really important when I applied for my next job.”

The next job was a role with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – which feels like a perfect fit for her. 

“Green Connect helped me realise my potential. To find an organisation that supports young people to find their way in life, that doesn’t rush people through their program, and values the environment and people equally is truly amazing.”

Noor Kamal

SOFT LANDING

Noor Kamal spent his early 20s in detention at Christmas Island. He arrived in Australia when he was 19 after fleeing Myanmar, where his Rohingya background saw him face persecution as a member of an ethnic minority.

The 27-year-old said his first few years in Australia were hard because he couldn’t leave Christmas Island and he missed his friends and family back home. 

Noor, who is now on a bridging visa, started working at Soft Landing Smithfield in 2019. He said his job has helped him financially and socially. 

“If I didn’t have this job I wouldn’t be able to support my family back home, and all of the friends I have made in Australia have been through my work.”

Noor says the freedom of Australia is something he will always appreciate. 

“I love Australia and I have a lot of freedom here compared to what I used to have, I even get to play local football. 

“I’m very grateful to be here – it’s peaceful and I feel safe.”