Indigenous employment program heads to Campbelltown

Employment Services Group (ESG), with support from MatchWorks, launched the successful Deadly Yakka program in Campbelltown yesterday for Indigenous job seekers in the region.

Local Tharawal man Josh Bell performed the traditional Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and three dance performances at the launch on Monday June 19.

Local Tharawal man Josh Bell conducted the traditional Welcome to Country at the Deadly Yakka in Campbelltown.

Local Tharawal man Josh Bell performs the traditional Welcome to Country at the Deadly Yakka in Campbelltown, New South Wales.

The initiative, specifically designed for Indigenous job seekers, focuses on real employment outcomes and assists people to find a job they will be passionate about.

The week-long course has delivered successful programs at Victorian, Queensland and South Australian locations, with job seekers gaining and maintaining employment after working with Indigenous mentors and trainers.

MatchWorks Executive Director Renae Lowry said the Deadly Yakka prepares career pathways for Indigenous job seekers with the opportunity to develop skills, increase their confidence, network with potential employers, and ultimately find sustainable employment.

“The Deadly Yakka program will commence with traditional cultural activities where job seekers will have the opportunity to meet staff and various support services, such as employers, trainers and mentors who will assist them throughout the initiative,” she said.

“Once the formal training period is complete, job seekers will continue to workshop activities with their mentors and marketers to help increase their chances of gaining ongoing employment.”

Deadly Yakka launched in Victoria in 2014 and has run at Bendigo, Sunshine, Bacchus Marsh and Warrnambool. It has also been delivered in Noarlunga (South Australia), Caboolture (Queensland), Mount Druitt and Lake Haven (New South Wales) and Gosnells (Western Australia).

MatchWorks and ESG will continue to roll out the initiative at more locations.