The project has been funded under the Australian Government Jobs Fund – Get Communities Working program which provides funding to support the delivery of innovative, social or infrastructure projects which create jobs and employment opportunities in communities affected by the economic downturn.

The funding is available upon the delivery of agreed outcomes and finishes by 30 June 2011.

The Lakemba Workforce Renewal Project will support the development of a social infrastructure project which will have immediate and lasting benefits for the community.

The project involves four main components:

• Renovation of 28 Croydon St Lakemba
• Aged Care Services Retraining Project
• Horticulture Trainees Project
• Business Development Project

Lakemba Workforce Renewal Project Launch

Renovation of 28 Croydon St Lakemba
To enable it to be developed as the Lakemba Neighbourhood Centre, an activity of Canterbury City Community Centre, and the base for the Lakemba Workforce Renewal Project activities. Work on the Cottage is complete and it provides a space for meetings and community activities which is very comfortable and homely.

Aged Care Services Retraining Project
60 women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, previously employed in manufacturing and other industries, will be retrained in Aged Care which currently has good employment prospects. Bankstown TAFE Outreach is conducting the training at the cottage in Croydon Street Lakemba.

Participants will receive their Certificate I in Access to Work and Training, with Units of Competency in Aged Care. Participants will also receive a certificate in Apply First Aid. Job interview techniques and resume writing, plus assistance in obtaining voluntary work experience will all enhance the student’s employability. Three courses are being offered over 18 months with the final course finishing in June 2011. Each course can take up to 20 students who are seeking employment in the aged care industry. Two courses have been completed and the third and final one will commence in February 2011. In the course the students are gaining knowledge about the aged care industry and also about communication and accessing the paid workforce. Women interested in finding out more about the next course can go to the web link page.

Horticulture Trainees Project
4 trainees will be employed in our Garden Care Service and will undertake their Certificate II or III in Horticulture over the course of one year.
Pictures

Business Development Project
Local shop keepers will be assisted by the Project Coordinator in developing and building their businesses and seeking additional opportunities to employ trainees and apprentices.

Croydon Street Cottage Map