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.”
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.”
