Queensland Reds tackle Indigenous youth unemployment with Mission Australia

Mission Australia is thrilled to announce an innovative 18-month partnership with the Queensland Reds, which will see the two organisations work together to tackle Indigenous unemployment in south Brisbane.

The Indigenous Employment Project (IEP) will see Mission Australia Employment Solutions and Queensland Reds work with 35 Indigenous youths from south Brisbane to create positive long-term educational and employment benefits.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the initiative is an Australian-first, and one Mission Australia is hoping can be rolled out throughout the country in the coming years.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions General Manager for Queensland Phil Schultz said the participants are looking forward to starting the project.

“We have 25 Indigenous youths eager to meet with the Queensland Reds and start working towards long-term employment,” Mr Schultz said.

“In south Brisbane alone, Mission Australia has over 200 Indigenous people registered as active job seekers. We see the IEP as a step in the right direction towards tackling Indigenous youth unemployment.”

As part of the IEP, participants will learn about motivation, goal-setting, employer expectations, nutrition, fitness, healthy lifestyles and career planning through ongoing contact with Mission Australia and the Queensland Reds.

Queensland Reds players will act as mentors for the participants over the 18 month project – and will be available weekly to offer guidance, support and motivation.

Queensland Reds Hooker Saia Faingaa said he was looking forward to working with the youths involved in the project.

“I know I speak for a lot of the boys when I say that I’m really excited to be able to work as a mentor and confidant to these indigenous youths,” Saia said.

“We’re keen to show the participants that there are opportunities out there for indigenous youths, and that there are organisations out there such as Mission Australia who have the programs in place to assist them with their education and employment goals.”