New Goldfields centre to help Aboriginal jobseekers

A new centre in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is set to provide a host of pathways to long-term employment for Aboriginal people in the Goldfields-Esperance region. 

The Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre was launched today, during NAIDOC Week, by Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier, providing a direct and seamless link between training and the workforce for Aboriginal jobseekers. 

Joining the Minister was former West Coast Eagles footballer David Wirrpanda, who discussed the work he is carrying out in promoting the importance of role models and positive life choices for Aboriginal people through the David Wirrpanda Foundation. 

“Developing the centre is part of a commitment I gave to Aboriginal people through the State Government’s Training together – working together initiative, to ensure better training and employment opportunities are available,” the Minister said. 

“The centre will work in partnership with other organisations in the region, including the Goldfields-Esperance Workforce Development Alliance, providing employment, career, training and mentoring services, while playing a key role in helping Aboriginal people to overcome barriers to employment. 

“The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week is Change: the next step is yours, which is apt on the day that I officially open a centre established to help Aboriginal people take that first step into employment and a more prosperous future.” 

Mr Collier said the centre would operate with a regional steering committee, comprising major corporate and government stakeholders in the Goldfields-Esperance region, local Aboriginal leaders and community representatives, to ensure they met local needs and were part of local job creation opportunities. 

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder centre is the third of four regional centres the State Government has opened to improve co-ordination between Aboriginal jobseekers, employers, employment service providers and training providers. 

Other centres are operating in Broome and Geraldton, with the fourth to open in Bunbury later this year. A centre in Perth has been operating since March 2010. 

For further information contact the Minister's office - 9213 7150