News

Federal Labor Minister Peter Garrett was full of praise for Wesley Mission’s Work for the Dole program at a graduation ceremony for job seekers on April 7.

As the local member for Kingsford-Smith, Mr Garrett was proud to present graduation certificates to Work for the Dole participants who have been refurbishing historic Yarra Bay House and buildings in Long Bay Jail over several months. He commended the work of Wesley Uniting Employment in helping the participants gain important skills for future employment while also making a significant contribution to the wider community.

The Yarra Bay House refurbishment is an ongoing project in partnership with the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council which has been funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The House will now be used for youth and women’s programs and a drop-in centre.

Several cell blocks which are no longer in use at Long Bay Jail are also being converted into temporary accommodation for ex-inmates in order to help them avoid homelessness and reintegrate more successfully into society.

Chris England, Wesley Mission’s Operations Manager of Employment Solutions, said this Work for the Dole activity had been a great success for everyone involved.

“It’s great to see the sense of achievement and satisfaction in the participants who have completed the program,” Mr England said. “Thanks to the work they’ve done, Yarra Bay House can be used for a range of important activities among the indigenous community of La Perouse, and ex-prisoners will have somewhere safe and secure to live while they recover.”

“Participants also develop greater self-esteem and greater confidence in their own abilities – they know they can do something worthwhile for themselves and others, and I think that’s extremely valuable,” he said.

Wesley Uniting Employment is one of the largest providers of employment services in NSW, working closely with governments and local communities to help people get the training and education they need, overcome barriers to employment and find fulfilling, long-term jobs.

Elise Williams
Public Affairs
Wesley Mission
Ph: (02) 9263 5509
Mobile: 0434 076 642

Chris England
Operations Manager -Employment Solutions
Wesley Mission
Ph: (02) 8778 0300
Mobile: 0408 623 018