Employment and training support for Arnhem Land

Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib and Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon today announced $180,000 to support employment and training initiatives in North East Arnhem Land.

Senator Arbib, who recently visited Yirrakala, said the Indigenous Employment Program funding would support a range of work by the Laynhapuy Homelands Association to support jobs and training.

“This funding will provide the necessary support Laynhapuy Homelands Association needs to continue their work in East Arnhem Land,” Senator Arbib said.

This funding will result in Laynhapuy Homelands Association developing initiatives including:

* Employing a Yolngu trainee to work in the postal service;
* Providing funding for feasibility and business planning;
* Developing local building, construction and civil works;
* Employing a trainer to support 10 Yolngu employees in building and construction, essential services and civil works training; and
* Employing a new performance development manager to support Indigenous staff in employment, training, community and enterprise development.

In addition, support is also being provided to enable the association to hire a consultant to develop a strategic plan and to help Laynhapuy Homelands work towards gaining Registered Training Organisation status.

“Laynhapuy Homelands Association is owned and driven by Yolngu leaders in the homelands of North East Arnhem land who have a strong history of the social and economic development of their land.

“It’s great to see the Indigenous Employment Program is supporting the Association to provide a wide range of initiatives for these homelands,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Rudd Government has committed $764 million over five years to the Indigenous Employment Program to strengthen Indigenous employment and business opportunities.