Established at the height of the pandemic less than two years ago, local not-for-profit Yilabara is celebrating, having already found jobs for more than 400 Aboriginal community members.
On average, that’s two placements a week.
Yilabara is the only 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and run Indigenous Specialist Workforce Australia provider in the country and according to its CEO, Matthew Clarke, it offers a unique service that is culturally safe.
And with unemployment rates as high as 21 per cent in local Aboriginal communities, the need has never been greater.
“All our offices have local Aboriginal staff, which means we understand the challenges faced by our local Aboriginal community members, their families and the broader community,” Matthew said.
“Our first step is to get down there, listen to the community and make sure we give them a voice.”
Yilbara currently offers their services across five locations: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Dapto, Nowra and Batemans Bay.
Landmark moments
Matthew describes the Federal Government’s offer of an Indigenous specialist licence to deliver Workforce Australia services to jobseekers as "a landmark moment for local Aboriginal communities".
“It represents a step forward in government trusting Aboriginal organisations to deliver employment services to our own communities. Every report says the same thing – if we are to close the gap then we need to have Aboriginal controlled organisations leading these programs.”
Yilabara is also celebrating another significant landmark moment with the recent placement of their 400th Aboriginal community member in work.
After taking a 12-month break from work to take care of her three boys, Gadigal woman Rhiannon Dominey was referred to Yilabara by Centrelink with the aim of supporting her return to the workforce.
With encouragement from her Aboriginal Employment Advisor, Rhiannon is now into her third month in her new job as an aged care worker.
Amazing support
“I’ve been supported amazingly; it’s been the best. They’ve been really great,” Rhiannon said.
“They helped me get my NDIS check, work uniforms and just being there for me. They’ve supported me the whole way.”
Those who gain employment through Yilabara often form close connections with their Aboriginal Employment Advisor as they move through the journey from being unemployed to securing work.
“I usually see Bec, and she’s amazing,” Rhiannon said. “She’s always ringing me up once a week to see how I’m going; how’s work. And it’s good because when you’re a mum, kids don’t really ask about your day. When you’ve got someone ringing up about your day it makes you feel really good.”
The Yilabara CEO says Rhiannon’s success story is typical of the hundreds coming through their employment support program.
“We are so happy to see Rhiannon happily back in the workforce and we know that this opportunity means so much to her and her three boys,” Matthew said. “I’m sure Bec and the Yilabara team will be there every step of the way.”
