Media Release: Horticulture and environmental programs to help train youth

Mission Australia, in conjunction with Job Futures and Now Green, will launch three new National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) programs this month to provide young West Australians with valuable environmental and horticultural skills.

NGJC is an Australian Government youth development program, offering people aged 17-24 the opportunity to receive work experience and quality training while participating in projects which contribute to significant environmental and cultural heritage initiatives.

Mission Australia program consultant Kristina Hayley said the six month long programs - Horticulture at City Farm, North of Perth Bushland Regeneration and Perth’s City Conservation Youth Project – gave young West Australians the opportunity to learn skills in a diverse range of activities which benefit the environment and local communities.

“Each program offers a wide range of work experience from regenerating and replanting degraded bushland, growing vegetables and native species to all aspects of plant propagation, small construction projects and weed eradication.

“This includes monitoring the water use and solar panel efficiency at City Farm and maintaining the Urban Orchard garden outside the Art gallery of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre.

“There is even a project that involves growing designer mushrooms using recycled coffee grounds,” Ms Hayley said.

“At the end of the six month course participants will receive a Certificate 11 in Horticulture or Certificate 11 in Conservation and Land Management and be equipped with practical skills and training to help them gain employment in horticultural or environmental industries.”

Event date:  Monday 15 August 2011
When:  2.00pm
Where:  City Farm, 1 City Farm Place, East Perth WA 6104

Interview and photo opportunities:
Kristina Hayley, Mission Australia
National Green Jobs Corps participants

Media enquiries:
Jo Ann Blizzard (08) 9388 0944 or 0416 038 787

Media Release: Launch and graduation for young environment trainees in Shepparton

Local youths will graduate from an exciting Mission Australia environmental training program and the launch of the final stage of the project will take place on Friday 29 July 2011.

Mission Australia’s National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) project – a 26 week environmental training program offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia – offers young people a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of graduates from the Shepparton region have undertaken real work experience activities such as tree planting, propagation, weed control and stabilisation of embankments in newly created wetlands.

The launch of Shepparton Wetlands rejuvenation project will be the last of its kind for the region. Participants will be undertaking real work experience activities including reclamation and redevelopment of the old land fill site at the end of Kialla Tip Road.

Anthony Moore, Victorian Regional Manager for Mission Australia said the team is looking forward to making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“This is an opportunity for a team of local youths to get hands-on experience in projects that benefit the environment and the local community.” said Mr Moore.

Date: Friday 29 July 2011
Time: 12:30 pm
Where: On site – Marquee At the end of Kialla Tip Road

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia
• Tracee Vassallo, National Green Jobs Corps Business Manager, Mission Australia 
• National Green Jobs Corps graduates and their families

Media contact:

• Rachael Nightingale on (03) 9600 0006 0449 881 980 or rachael@fenton.com.au
• Justin Watts on (03) 9600 0006 or justin@fenton.com.au

Media Release: Launch and graduation for young environment trainees in Gippsland

Local youths will graduate from an exciting Mission Australia environmental training program and the launch of the final stage of the project will take place on Friday, 22 July 2011.

Mission Australia’s National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) project – a 26-week environmental training program offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia – offers young people a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of graduates from the Gippsland region have undertaken real work experience activities at Nyerimilang Heritage Park assisting to maintain the heritage buildings, re-planting to create corridors for habitat and improving biodiversity on a broad scale.

The launch of Stage 4 of the Greening East Gippsland program will be the last of its kind run in the region. Students will establish native gardens, collect and propagate seeds, identify and control environmental weeds, reduce fire hazards to protect the habitat and more.

Anthony Moore, Victorian Regional Manager for Mission Australia said the team is looking forward to making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“This is an opportunity for a team of local youths to get hands-on experience in projects that benefit the environment and the local community.” said Mr Moore.

Date: Friday, 22nd July 2011
Time: 10am to 11am
Where: Conference Room 68 Macleod Street Bairnsdale

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Karen Jones, Mission Australia Business Manager from East Gippsland
• National Green Jobs Corps graduates and their families

Media contact:

• Rachael Nightingale on (03) 9600 0006 0449 881 980 or rachael@fenton.com.au
• Justin Watts on (03) 9600 0006 or justin@fenton.com.au

Environmental training program continues in Victoria

More young Victorian job seekers in East Gippsland and Bendigo are on the way to gaining skills to join the growing green and climate-change industries thanks to local 26-week environmental training programs.

National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) projects were officially launched in Bendigo and East Gippsland last Friday. Operated by Mission Australia, NGJC is being offered in partnership with Landcare in East Gippsland and with Conservation Volunteers Australia in Bendigo.

The Australian Government program, which Mission Australia runs in nine locations throughout Victoria, provides job seekers aged 17 to 24 years with a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them for future employment in green and climate-change industries.

In Bendigo, a group of 18 students will work on protecting and enhancing the environment, community and historical features within Central Victorian box ironbark forests on crown land managed by Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

At the same time, a group of 10 East Gippsland students will work assist Parks Victoria maintain and preserve the heritage building, facilities and park surrounds at Nyerimilang Heritage Park.

As part of a Certificate II in Horticulture (offered in Gippsland) and Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management (Bendigo), the students restore native habitat, construct and install nesting boxes and fencing, learn weed identification and management as well as track maintenance and erosion control techniques.

Anthony Moore, Victorian Regional Manager for Mission Australia, said the teams are looking forward to making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“We’re excited to announce this National Green Jobs Corps project for East
Gippsland and Bendigo,” said Mr Moore. “This is an opportunity for a team of local youths to get hands-on experience in projects that benefit the environment and the local community,” said Mr Moore.


Mission Australia Employment Solutions runs National Green Jobs Corps projects in Victoria. If you're interested in applying to take part in one of these projects, visit www.employmentsolutions.com.au/greenjobs for more information or call (03) 9259 4666.

Above photo: Will McCutcheon, Chief Ranger East Gippsland, Parks Victoria presented NGJC participant Grant Franken with a Statement of Attainment for his work to date. He is well on his way to completing the program and obtaining a Certificate II in Horticulture.

Further reading

• Mission accomplished for Green Jobs Corps graduates
• Frankston Weekly: Towards a greener future
• Archive of Mission Australia 'green corps' news

New website for MA Employment Solutions

Mission Australia Employment Solutions recently launched a new website featuring information on our employment programs and site locations, as well as downloadable brochures, fact sheets and tips for job seekers.

Mission Australia is one of Australia's largest providers of Job Services Australia, Australian Apprenticeships and the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme. We have been providing employment services for some 33 years, and operates from close to 150 locations across Australia, with representation in every state and territory.

The new website also includes online forms to allow employer customers to lodge job vacancies, and job seekers to apply for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme or National Green Jobs Corps programs.

"We've rebuilt the new site from the ground up to help improve the overall visitor experience," said Anthony Rumble, National Marketing and Communication Manager for Employment Solutions.

"Visitors will now find easier access to site locations and contact details, and can also download copies of the current brochure and fact sheet materials.

"Over the next few months, we'll continue to roll out new resources and features, such as newsletter subscriptions, access to downloadable resume and cover letter templates, and articles and advice covering a range of employment topics."

To see the new website, visit www.employmentsolutions.com.au. While you're there, please take the time to let us know what you think.

Media Release: Mission Australia launches environmental training program in Ballarat

Mission Australia will officially launch a new environmental training program for young job seekers in the Ballarat area on Friday 18 March 2011 (event details below).

The National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) project – a 26-week environmental training program offered in partnership with the Australian Government and Conservation Volunteers Australia – offers young people, aged 17 to 24 years, a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of young people from the Ballarat area will have the chance to work on the restoration of native habitat environment, construction and installation of nesting boxes to improve biodiversity values, fencing or critical ecological and historic sites, assisting in fuel reduction prior to the summer fire season, and track maintenance and erosion control at Sovereign Hill.

Participants will work towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

Mission Australia’s Victoria Regional Manager, Anthony Moore, said the young people were looking forward to making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“We’re excited to announce this project that will provide more opportunities for young people in Ballarat to get real work experience in on-the-ground projects and continue building on the success of earlier projects this year.

“As part of today’s launch we’ll also officially commend our recent graduates who successfully undertook the program last year,” Mr Moore said.

Date: Friday 18 March 2011
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Sovereign Hill Lodge, Magpie St, Ballarat, Victoria

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia
• Tracee Vassallo, NGJC Business Manager, Mission Australia
• National Green Jobs Corps participants

Media contact: Emily Lehmann, Fenton Communications on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

Media coverage - Frankston Weekly: Towards a greener future

Twenty young people from the Frankston and Cranbourne areas last week started a 26-week environmental training program with the National Green Jobs Corps.

The program offered in partnership with Parks Victoria, Frankston Council and Mission Australia offers people aged 17 to 24 a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to give them the skills for future employment in green and climate change industries.

The 10-person Frankston team will be involved in improving the flora and pathways to natural resources along Seaford foreshore, Kananook Creek Reserve, Sweetwater Creek at Frankston South and Outlook Reserve in Frankston.

Activities will include planting, propagating, landscaping, mapping and surveying weed infestation and constructing pathways, signs, shelters, seating and barbecue areas.

The Cranbourne team will work on the expansion and development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne. This is the first time Frankston Council has been involved in the program.

Above photo: Travis Sandwith and Samantha Marshall, who are starting their training, with Kirra Marks, who graduated from a program at Seaford foreshore last year.

Picture courtesy of Gary Sissons, story courtesy of the Frankston Weekly

Mission accomplished for Green Jobs Corps graduates

When Daniel received his Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management earlier this month, he was as proud as could be.

Daniel was among a group of motivated youths that completed Mission Australia’s 26-week National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) project.

This environmental training program offered young people aged between 17 to 24 years a combination of work experience, horticultural skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for employment in green and climate-change industries.

Daniel told The Sunshine, Ardeer, Albion Star newspaper that the course helped him regain confidence in his own ability and made the future seem brighter.

“I never got out of bed before 8am,” he recalled. "I would sleep until one or two in the afternoon and waste half of my day. But the course motivated me to get up and do something."

He said the course would also help him land his dream job - a customs officer for the Marine Unit.

As part of the course, the group of graduates from Melbourne’s west worked on the restoration of native habitat environment, revegetation, environmental weed control, mulching, water monitoring, propagation and native plantings as well as flora and fauna surveys. This real work experience was gained at the Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre at Victoria University’s St Albans campus.

“Our recent graduates enjoyed making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future,” said Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia.

“We want to congratulate each graduate on this big achievement and wish them all the best on their career journey here on in.”

Congratulations to all our Green Jobs Corps graduates!

Photo credit: Kristian Scott, The Sunshine, Ardeer, Albion Star.

Media Release: Graduation celebrates Mission Australia’s green initiative in St Albans

Local youths will graduate from an exciting Mission Australia environmental training program on Wednesday, 12 January 2011.

Mission Australia’s National Green Jobs Corps – a 26-week environmental training program offered in partnership with Victoria University and Imaroo Sustainable Community Centre – offers young people, aged 17 to 24 years, a combination of work experience, skills development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of graduates from Melbourne’s west worked on the restoration of native habitat environment, revegetation, environmental weed control, water monitoring, flora and fauna surveys at Victoria University’s St Albans campus.

The graduation will congratulate participants on achieving a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

“Our recent graduates enjoyed making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“We want to congratulate each graduate on this big achievement and wish them all the best on their career journey here on in,” Mr Moore said.

Date: Wednesday, 12 January 2011 Time: 11.30am to 1pm
Where: Victoria University, St Albans Campus
McKechnie St, Gateway 1 St Albans

Interview and photo opportunities:
Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia
Graeme Allen, Conservation Volunteers Australia
National Green Jobs Corps graduates and their families

Media contact: Emily Lehmann on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

Media Release: Young environment trainees graduate in Ballarat

Local youths will graduate from an exciting Mission Australia environmental training program on Thursday, 23 December 2010.

Mission Australia’s National Green Jobs Corps – a 26-week environmental training program offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia – offers young people, aged 17 to 24 years, a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of graduates from the Ballarat region worked on the restoration of native habitat environment, revegetation, environmental weed control, water monitoring, flora and fauna surveys and design and construction of a cultural heritage trail at Lerderderg State Park near Bacchus Marsh.

These projects involve working with conservation and community groups, including Northern Goldfields Box-Ironbark Parks and Forest Restoration, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The graduation will congratulate participants on achieving a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

“Our recent graduates enjoyed making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“We want to congratulate each graduate on this big achievement and wish them all the best on their career journey here on in,” Mr Moore said.

Date: Thursday, 23 December 2010
Time: 11.30am to 1pm
Where: Sovereign Hill, Main Rd, Ballarat

Interview and photo opportunities:
Catherine King MP Federal Member for Ballarat
Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia
Graeme Allen, Conservation Volunteers Australia
National Green Jobs Corps graduates and their families

Media contact: Emily Lehmann on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

Media Release: Mission Australia launches environmental training program in Bendigo

Mission Australia will officially launch a new environmental training program for young job seekers in the Bendigo area this Thursday, 11 November 2010 (event details below).

The National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) project – a 26-week environmental training program offered in partnership with the Australian Government and Conservation Volunteers in Bendigo – offers young people, aged 17 to 24 years, a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to equip them with the skills necessary for future employment in green and climate change industries.

During the project, the group of 18 young people from the Bendigo area will have the chance to work on the restoration of native habitat environment, construction and installation of nesting boxes to improve biodiversity values, fencing or critical ecological and historic sites, assisting in fuel reduction prior to the summer fire season, and track maintenance and erosion control.

These projects involve working with conservation and community groups, Parks Victoria and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. Participants will also work towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

Mission Australia’s Victoria Regional Manager, Anthony Moore, said the young people were looking forward to making a difference to the local environment and picking up skills for the future.

“We’re excited to announce this project that will provide more opportunities for young people in Bendigo to get real work experience in on-the-ground projects and continue building on the success of earlier projects this year.

“As part of today’s launch we’ll also officially commend our recent graduates who successfully undertook the program at the beginning of 2010,” Mr Moore said.

Date:  Thursday, 11^th November 2010
Time: 11.30am
Where: Lake Weeroona BBQ Area, cnr Midland Highway Bendigo

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Anthony Moore, Victoria Regional Manager, Mission Australia
• Tracee Vassallo, NGJC Acting Manager, Mission Australia
• Iain Wilson, Team Officer
• National Green Jobs Corps participants  

Media inquiries:  Paul Andrews on (02) 9219 2080 / 0409 665 495