Media Release: Job-a-thon a huge success for Mission Australia

Mission Australia’s Beaudesert and Woodridge Employment Solutions centres in Queensland have successfully reached their goal of placing 500 jobseekers in long-term employment or training prior to Christmas 2009.

The final figures show more than 550 jobseekers benefited from the initiative which started in August 2009.

Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions helps jobseekers source quality jobs that match their capabilities and long-term goals.

The Job-A-Thon challenge was the brainchild of Mission Australia's Business Manager for Beaudesert and Woodridge, Bob Kennard, who said it was well received by clients and local employers alike.

“We received great support from local businesses – which helped make this initiative so successful,” said Bob.

“It was encouraging to know local employers and the local community were behind us 100 per cent. Our staff and clients are very grateful for this support.”

At the completion of the Job-A-Thon (24 December 2009), Mission Australia had successfully placed more than 320 jobseekers in training and more than 220 in long-term employment in the Beaudesert and Woodridge regions.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our Job-A-Thon, and are definitely looking to make it an annual event,” Bob said.

Mission Australia provides employment support through 93 offices around the country.

Mission Australia opens its doors to the Woodridge community

Mission Australia will officially launch its new Job Services Australia site in the southern Brisbane suburb of Woodridge today.

The opening, to be officiated by Brett Raguse MP, Federal Member for Forde, will celebrate Mission Australia’s commitment to the jobseekers and employers of Woodridge.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions launched the new Woodridge Job Services Australia (JSA) site on 1 July 2009 as a result of the Federal Government’s new JSA scheme, which focuses on a new approach to employment services - tailoring the services offered to the individual jobseeker.

Since opening its doors, Mission Australia’s JSA Woodridge site has helped dozens of local jobseekers find employment in the region.

Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions General Manager QLD, Phil Schultz, said today’s launch reinforced to the local community the commitment of the staff at the Woodridge JSA site to providing the support and guidance required by jobseekers and employers.

“We’re here to help Woodridge’s community by placing as many jobseekers as possible in the job best suited to them,” Mr Schultz said.

“We can offer jobseekers advice on their career options and our employment programs, as well as help them prepare their resumes, enhance their interview techniques and undertake the skill development or professional training they may need to help find and keep a job.

The Woodridge JSA site has so far helped place numerous jobseekers in suitable employment and currently has more than 450 jobseekers on their books.

“We’ve established strong relationships within the Woodridge community and we’re looking forward to building on these relationships to ensure we help as many willing jobseekers as possible.”