Work For the Dole: Real Benefits

Regional Skills Inc in partnership with parklands has, in recent years, netted the region a significant Work for the Dole (WFTD) Program. The WFTD program is funded by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB) and supported by Mission Australia and Hume Employment Services.

The program, “Parks & Heritage”, has been effectively conducted for over 3 years, supporting the region’s unemployed with work related issues such as work ethics, self-esteem and employment opportunities.

Since it beginning, over 400 participants have completed the program with 240 gaining work or returning to study. In economic terms, the program has brought over $2,000,000 in equivalent labour costs and economic input to parklands, and in turn to the Albury-Wodonga community.

Some of the key activities undertaken by the WFTD teams include:

• 10 km of fencing, including solar powered electric fences, along the Kiewa River;
• Site preparation, weed control and the planting of 30,000 trees as part of the Kiewa River NHT project;
• Clearing and spraying of 17km of the High Country Rail Trail, installing gates and 2km of fencing;
• The fencing of 30km within the Eight Mile Creek catchment. Additional works in the area also includes the planting of 25,000 tubestock, and the installation of stiles along the 6, 7, 8, & 9 Mile Creeks, Bells Reserve and the Hume & Hovel Track;
• Fencing at Huon Hill incorporating 2.5km along the summit and the construction of the Summit to Kiewa Walking Track with Parklands CDEP Crew; and
• Fencing 1km at McFarlanes Hill, along with 1km of steep track construction.

This joint venture has highlighted the effectiveness and benefits of quality community programs, jointly managed by community organisations who are working in partnership to “establish the most magnificent regional parklands in Australia”.