Good News Stories

CONGRATULATIONS AARON!

IMPACT was again a proud sponsor of the White Card Construction High Achiever Award at the annual Kepnock High School awards night. This year’s award was presented to student Aaron Shield who completed the White Card Course in 2011.  In addition to a trophy, Aaron was awarded a new pair of workboots – just the thing to help him get started in the manufacturing and construction industry. 


The school work experience co-ordinator reports that Aaron has been undertaking work experience with a local business and is trying to gain an Apprenticeship in Boilermaking or Metal Fabrication.  Aaron also works as a casual at the Reject Store.  Feedback from employers is that Aaron has a great work ethic, is helpful and polite to staff.  Congratulations Aaron and good luck in following your dream!

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NOW THAT IS A TRAILER!

An exciting project is taking shape to provide new opportunities to engage and connect young people to community, education and family.  Eight young people are working under the guidance of IMPACT’s Maintenance Supervisor, Reuben Granzien to create a mobile activity centre – in a trailer! 


Funded by IMPACT’s Youth Connections program, the project’s aim is to give participants a ‘taste’ of the workshop and to develop new skills.  The participants, who have been working two days each week since September, have been provided with personal protective equipment and supported to complete a Construction White Card. 

What started as a very ordinary looking box trailer has been transformed to fun on wheels!  When completed in December, the refurbished trailer will be fitted out with a Nintendo Wii, XBOX Kinect and a karaoke machine.  It is planned that the trailer will be used to run free activities for youth in the community – and the fitted BBQ will ensure that everyone is well fed.  Young people will have access to laptops on the trailer and will be able to research jobs or register for training courses. 

Watch out for more – in the new year an invitation will be extended to schools to enter a competition to win the right to paint the trailer.  It is hoped that designs will be put forward for a team of students to paint the trailer in a theme that encapsulates Youth Connections  – connecting young people to community, education and family. 

Youth Connections is funded by the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

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                                                                    SURF’S UP!

Taking ‘time out’ is an important part of the Mental Health Carer’s Support program conducted at IMPACT.  During October, program staff took seven young participants to Nielsen’s beach at Bargara for a Time Out surfing activity.

These children are young carers who are living in a home where a family member is suffering with a Mental Health illness.  None had ever surfed before and after a nervous start, were keen to take up the challenge. It was a fantastic day with all kids being brave enough to have a go. Six out of the seven managed to get up onto their feet on the board – what an achievement!

A big thanks to IMPACT staff member Greg for taking the time to come along and provide instructions to the kids and to Linda, our talented canteen manager, for providing the picnic lunch.

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                                                  YOUTH CONNECTIONS CAREER CHALLENGE

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MPACT’s Youth Connections participants have celebrated the end of 8 weeks of hard work and fun after successfully completing the 2011 Youth Challenge.

Four teams from IMPACT competed to produce a project that was industry related.  IMPACT projects included building a chicken coop, creating a children’s storybook, producing a short documentary on alternative education and a health and beauty powerpoint.
Participants travelled to Maryborough and had a terrific time at camp Oz Adventure.  The teams were required to present their projects for judging and participated in team building activities and challenges such as abseiling.

Congratulations to the storybook project – winners of the $50 prize!  This money will go towards the young people’s end of year trip to the Gold Coast.
The hard work on the chicken coop has providing an ongoing activity for the PODs group (Providing Opportunities through Day Services) who look after the the chickens and collect the eggs.


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                                               STARTING STRONG

Young mothers in the Positive Start Parenting group have been part of a program to enhance bonding and attachment with babies. The ‘Starting Strong’ program was run in conjunction with Queensland Health and was very popular with the girls. Topics covered in the eight week program included: the transition to motherhood; self-care; concept of family; communication and play with baby; music and song to build relationships; and baby massage. A picnic at Lake Ellen Heritage Hub was held to celebrate the end of the program.

Thanks to Ann Rushton, Senior Paediatric Psychologist and Early Intervention Parenting Specialist, and Wendy Morgan - Clinical Nurse, Community Family Health for their assistance in delivering this great program. Thanks also to the Zonta Club of Bundaberg who donated the craft materials and to all the girls who participated for making the program such as success. 09.2011

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(Left) The girls enjoying a day at the park (Centre) Queensland Health workers with the Positive Start Young Mums participants and Amanda – Positive Start facilitator (Right) Play session for mums and babies
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YOUNG WOMEN’S FORUM

Bundaberg local girl and IMPACT Make Your Mark Marketing Assistant Anika Thorén has been inspired to ‘Dream Up’ and make her career goals a reality.  Ms Thorén has just returned from the Queensland Young Women’s Forum held in Brisbane last week. “To be one of 50 young women chosen from 370 applicants across Queensland was a once in a lifetime opportunity” said Ms Thorén. The Forum was a creative and inspirational leadership event for young Queensland women aged between 16 and 25 conducted over three days at the Edge, State Library of Queensland.

“There were many inspirational presentations from women who have succeeded in male dominated industries as well as from women with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to inspire and challenge us” said Ms Thorén. Ms Thorén said she particularly enjoyed the creative focus of the Forum with each participant issued a visual diary to document their experience.

”The Forum gave me a fantastic opportunity to meet young women from all over Queensland, especially women from other regional communities” said Ms Thoren. “I have been inspired by women who have achieved success in male dominated industries, young mothers who are making their way in the world and amazing women who have overcome personal issues to succeed. Applicants also had the opportunity to have an open discussion with The Honourable Karen Struthers, MP as well as hearing from Kate Jones MP at the start of the forum.

Ms Thorén said that participation in the Forum has helped her clarify her career and personal goals; she is now focusing on making the change she wants to see in herself and striving to make her future successful. 08.2011

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(Left) Anika (right front) with the other young women, participating in an activity (Centre) Anika (Centre) grabs a quick photo with Homa Forotan and Megan Houghton – the inspirational women who spoke to the Forum during dinner (Right) Anika with Emalee Campbell, an Electrical Apprentice from Mount Isa who were both excited about the forum

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END OF AN ERA FOR TWO IMPACT STALWARTS

This month saw us farewell two of IMPACT’s long term staff members who chose to retire and make more time to smell the roses! The first to start the cheers and tears flowing was Sandra Hansen who was one of the pioneering members of IMPACT’s staff and who had held many positions across many programs. Sandra will be missed for her very practical and analytical approach and her never ending patience and devotion to her clients.

Sandra will still be a welcome face around IMPACT, popping in from time to time to help in the Positive Start and Mental Health programs. Dave Hargreaves will leave a big hole in the IMPACT team. Dave’s larger-than-life personality will be missed, particularly at Staff Meetings! Dave has kept IMPACT well maintained with his “Can Do” attitude and ability to solve problems with some very innovative ideas.

Both Sandra and Dave have imparted a lot of knowledge over their many years at IMPACT and have made a big difference to the lives of the people they have worked with.  We wish them all the best for their retirement! 08.2011

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(Left) Amanda with Sandra for the launch of the LINKS program (Left Centre) Sandra back when she first started at IMPACT (Right Centre) Dave on his bike with the jacket he was given as a parting gift from IMPACT staff
(Right) Dave H with Gary working in Maintenance

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CONNECTING TO YOUTH!

Not enjoying school, dealing with personal issues and coping with the daily life of a teenager saw a young client named Amy come to IMPACT searching for assistance. She approached Youth Connections staff to help her find a more suitable education arrangement. Through discussions and meetings with the High School Guidance Officer and TAFE, Youth Connections staff member Tanya worked closely with these people to structure a timetable that suited Amy’s needs, which has, in turn, benefited her. This was the first step to help Amy make a positive step towards gaining job-ready skills for future employment prospects.

Three months later and Amy has completed her first exam at TAFE as part of her Certificate II in Retail course and achieved 100%! What a fantastic effort! She is attending school as required and is finding things at home, school and other aspects of her life much easier to cope with. With a passion for retail and the ever-growing trend of piercings, Amy one day hopes to gain her Infection Control certificate and become a professional body piercer. Shaun from Metal Shaun Piercing in Bourbong Street said that once Amy has gained her certificate, he would be interested in helping her on her way to her goal as a piercer.

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(Left) Amy out front of Metal Shaun Body Piercing shop – she hopes to one day become a fully qualified piercer. (Centre) Shaun, owner of Metal Shaun with Amy, inspecting a large stretcher. (Right) Youth Connections staff member Tanya Jonas with Amy out front of Wide Bay TAFE

Youth Connections is funded by the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 

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IMPACT CHOIR NEWS UPDATE!

The IMPACT Make Your Mark choir are busy preparing for their first public performance.  And what a performance it will be – for the Governor General and invited guests at the official opening of IMPACT’s Training and Administration Complex Upgrade on Friday 19 August.

A new keyboard was purchased and delivered just in time for the choir’s first ‘outside’ practise for the big event. Plans are being finalised for choir uniforms and we are sure that the choir will soon be looking as good as it sounds! More recruits have joined in the fun and new members are always welcome.

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(Left) The choir in full swing at a practice session held in July (Centre) Gwyn on the new keyboard (Right) Nina Higgins from U3A with Gwyn and choir participant Ryan Whiting singing along. 
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IMPACT choir has become a reality!

Walking into a room of people happily singing songs familiar and close to our hearts certainly lifts the spirit.  IMPACT’s choir is starting to build with a small group of regular songsters learning the art of singing as one! The choir meets each Monday to take part in a recreational interest everyone has in common – a passion for singing!  Choir Master Maria Liza Edubas and the accompanist Susan Ide were simply blown away by the enthuiasm.  

A big thank you goes out to Nina Higgins and U3A for the support they have provided to the choir. Lauren Williams, Choir Coordinator is pleased with the turnout. “So far we have had 3 sessions and are growing in numbers every week. The participants are very enthusiastic and each bring their own flair to every song.” The choir is singing along strong with participants, but we are still looking for more volunteers who have a PASSION for singing!

Keep an eye on our newsletter and website to see how our Choir is progressing!

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(Left) IMPACT staff member Gwyn Bishop on the keyboard (Centre) The choir in practice mode (Right) Lauren, Choir Coordinator, with choir participants who are really getting into the spirit of the choir!

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HOT NEW START FOR ANTONIO!

Antonio Houston, a voluntary participant in IMPACT’s Participate in Prosperity Skills for Life Program, has been working intensively with his IMPACT Case Manager for eleven months preparing himself for entry into employment.  His big break came when Joanne Gordon, the program’s Industry Liaison Officer was speaking with Austchilli General Manager Ian Gaffel about employment opportunities at the factory on Goodwood Road. Antonio volunteered for unpaid work experience and Joanne worked alongside him folding boxes in the fresh produce section of the factory as he settled into work.

His Supervisor observed and assessed his capacity to work, his ability to participate as part of a team and to follow instructions. After assessments from two Supervisors, Antonio was offered paid casual work for 3 days a week. One issue which faced Antonio was a lack of transport. This was solved when IMPACT supplied a bicycle and helmet to overcome his transport problems and now Antonio rides 3.2 kms to work each day.

As Antonio settles into his new job, Joanne continues to provide support to him and his employer with Ian Gaffel reporting “Austchilli have been pleased to work alongside IMPACT in supporting Antonio as a participant in the PIP Program. Antonio has gained hands on skills in a busy working environment and has been able to value working alongside experienced people with a variety of skills. Antonio has made good progress and we look forward to working in conjunction with IMPACT participants in the future.”

IMPACT congratulates Antonio on his successful achievement of employment and we sincerely thank Austchilli for providing entry level employment pathways for those who are currently outside the workforce.

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(Left) Antonio folding boxes in the fresh produce section (Centre) IMPACT Industry Liaison Officer Joanne Gordon (at back) folding boxes with Antonio (Right) Antonio with Human Resource Officer Kim Mallyon (at back) and Ian Gaffel, General Manager

To find out more about Participate in Prosperity Skills for Life Program phone IMPACT on 4153 4233 

The Participate in Prosperity ‘Skills for Life’ project is funded by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative

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NEW CEO APPOINTMENT - TANYA O'SHEA

A twelve year work commitment at IMPACT Make Your Mark has seen Tanya O’Shea confirmed by the Board as the organisation’s Chief Executive on Monday, a position vacated by Dorothy Cox after over 30 years in the role.

Bundaberg Skills Centre started in 1978 delivering the Community Youth Support Service and has evolved over time where today it delivers 39 support, training and employment programs to people in the community who need support or are isolated from social or economic networks.

Starting work with IMPACT in 1999, Tanya joined the management team in 2001 and moved into the Deputy CEO role in 2007. Her strong leadership and management capacity over this time has contributed to the significant growth and diversification of the organisation’s services which are delivered by 145 staff throughout the Bundaberg region.

Well known in the Bundaberg community, Tanya was born and educated in Bundaberg, and with husband Jason, are raising two children and supporting our community through their involvement in a range of sporting activities including Surf Lifesaving, Rugby League and Gymnastics.

Tanya comments “I feel privileged to be leading such a dynamic and vibrant organisation that is committed to supporting people within our local community. I am dedicated to our philosophy of providing a safe, caring and supportive environment that assists people to improve their social and economic participation. I am continually inspired by clients’ amazing resilience and spirit. I firmly believe we capitalise on these strengths, and assist them to make decisions that will  help them make differences within their lives and improve their life opportunities. I will be working closely with our staff and the community to ensure IMPACT continues to deliver high quality services valued by our community.”

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A collage of photos of our new CEO - Tanya O'Shea
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85 YEARS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR BETTY & BOB 

Two dedicated volunteer Community Visitors will turn 85 this month. Betty has been a volunteer for 14 years and Bob for 5 years.

To honour their significant dedication to volunteering, the strong commitment to the friendships they have developed with people who are isolated and living in aged care facilities and their vibrancy for life demonstrated by continuing to make positive contributions to their community at 85 years young, a celebration was in order. 


There were demonstration activities and games for the volunteers and guests to participate in which provided everyone with diversional activities to use with the aged residents they visit.  IMPACT’s Certificate III in Aged Care students were eager participants in the fun and games.

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(L-R) Greg Redgard sings for everyone at the birthday celebrations. (Centre) Aged care participants and volunteers play ‘Celebrity Heads’ and (Right) Bob and Betty celebrate with a special birthday cake

For more information on Community Visitors, click HERE or contact Gwyn or Lauren on 4153 4233

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The Community Visitors Scheme is an Australian Government Initiative
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CONTROLLING HIS FUTURE ONE SIGN AT A TIME

Jason, a client supported by both the Participate in Prosperity and Disability Employment Services programs at IMPACT Make Your Mark has taken a further step towards independence. Through these programs, he was eligible for funding to help him gain his Traffic Controller’s ticket which then enabled Jason to secure sustainable employment at WJM Excavations in February this year. 

The success and enthusiasm he demonstrated towards his new job prompted IMPACT staff to help Jason gain his Certificate II in Traffic Control. This new role has given Jason a new outlook on life and made his boss Wayne a very satisfied employer.

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Busy at Work: Jason Goss instructing traffic to STOP


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The Participate in Prosperity ‘Skills for Life’ project is funded by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative

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OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO LIGHT HIS BRIGHT FUTURE

Overcoming barriers to employment can be tough enough, especially if you are young and do not quite know what options are available to you to make a start. After several appointments with his DES case manager Cody was identified as someone who would benefit from dual servicing with the PiP program.

With the support of his DES and PiP case managers, Cody was motivated to not just enrol but to fully participate in the National Green Jobs Corps program. To his credit Cody stuck with it, making significant personal and vocational progress and soon found himself at the graduation. Not only was he proud of his achievement, Cody stood before the audience and spoke highly of the program, his fellow participants and team leader.

While participating in the Green Corps project, Cody was also assisted with gaining his Learners permit and has since gained his provisional licence. Twelve months later, Cody has transformed into a solid member of the community who can hold his head high and has now gained a position with the Green Army. Cody’s journey is well underway to a bright and successful future. Well done Cody!

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Cody is proud of his achievements


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The Participate in Prosperity ‘Skills for Life’ project is funded by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative

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TARA A STAR – COURSE PARTICIPANT GAINS EMPLOYMENT AT IMPACT

Tara, mother of 2 young children (3 & 5 years) self-referred into IMPACT’s Participate in Prosperity Skills for Life program.  With no local family support and needing to develop skills in order to compete in the labour market, Tara worked with IMPACT staff to identify the personal and vocational skills she needed to develop in order to succeed in her search for work.

With help to find child care solutions etc, she was encouraged to undertake a Cert II in Business which she completed in December 2010.  A traineeship at IMPACT was advertised and Tara attended a group interview, followed by an individual interview which resulted in her gaining the position. With help from IMPACT to source suitable work clothing and set-up long term childcare, Tara commenced her traineeship and is settling into IMPACT’s very busy front office/reception.

In Tara’s words “...the caring atmosphere was felt as soon as I entered the office and I felt supported in every aspect of my life, even now that I am employed, the Skills for Life support with debriefing is invaluable and I would recommend this program.”  Congratulations Tara.

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(Left) Angela and Lisa with Tara are the new Front Office team
(Centre) Tara at her desk and (Left) Changing some money at the till for a client.


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This project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative

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LIFE'S HICCUP LEADS TO POSITIVE CAREER CHANGE

Robert, a mature aged job seeker, has been working at the Gracie Dixon Respite Centre in Bundaberg for over 26 weeks.  He didn’t expect when he relocated to Childers and found work with Air Solar Australia that emerging health issues would force a rethink of his career direction. 

Word of mouth brought Robert into IMPACT’s Job Services Australia office in Childers and in his words “...found a group of people that were willing to help me have some major discussions and make changes in my career path.” Working with IMPACT in Childers, Robert was able to go through his areas of experience and after researching various careers, settled on completing a Cert III in Aged Care at IMPACT in Bundaberg. He notes: “The IMPACT office [staff] in Bundaberg were as helpful as the staff in Childers...and the training I received at IMPACT was relevant to the work I have done since.”

IMPACT helped Robert to access fuel money to attend training and supplied clothing appropriate to his new career to ensure he didn’t miss out on any of the full time study. Robert first commenced a work placement at Blue Care in Bundaberg where he found a great team of people, but since then has changed employment to the Gracie Dixon Respite Centre where he has settled in. Inspired by the rewarding work he is now doing, Robert has started study in Cert III in Disability as well as organising to gain Disability Work clearances to further expand his future employment opportunities.

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(Left) Robert at IMPACT participating in Cert III in Aged Care training, (Centre) Robert (at rear) with his fellow trainees on Graduation Day, (Right) at Gracie Dixon Centre where he is now employed

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COURSE HELPS WITH EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

Angela Bridge, a recent graduate of the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program – MYOB For Work - has now commenced a traineeship in Certificate III in Business Administration with IMPACT Make Your Mark.

She joins Lisa and Tara as another smiling face behind the IMPACT reception desk – congratulations Angela and welcome!

If you would like to complete an Access course, you can subscribe to our mailing list by clicking HERE or find out more about the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program by clicking HERE

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(Left L-R) Access graduation: Front row: Angela Bridge, Doreen Bromage, and Colleen Dooley. Back row: Allan James, Michelle Hamilton (Trainer), Laurie Salt and Karen Venus. (Centre) Angela, Lisa (Supervisor) & Tara are the IMPACT reception team (Right) Angela

The Australian Apprenticeships Access Program is funded by the Australian Government

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ANN’S STORY – MY JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE

Coming into JOB futures/IMPACT Make Your Mark Disability Employment Services was a great move for Ann Baker who is now working in a permanent part time job at Katies-On-Takalvan. It wasn’t an easy journey though, when you are constantly in pain but really want to work. It was wonderful to have professional support to help you make the most of your abilities.

Ann hadn’t worked for 18 months because of a knee injury and chronic lower back pain. It took perseverance and grit to find the right job but her employer, Brian Wockner of Katies-On-Takalvan could see Ann’s commitment and motivation to work.

Working in partnership with IMPACT staff, Ann and her employer they were able to complete a Workplace Assessment to determine what Ann needed to maximise her ability to work. This resulted in anti-fatigue matting and high support footwear provided by the Australian government through Disability Employment Services.

The outcome for Ann has been her personal independence, greatly reduced pain levels and an ability to work more consistent hours resulting in Brian offering permanent part time work into the future. Congratulations Ann!

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(Left) Ann stocking shelves (Middle) IMPACT Disability Employment Services staff Dave Olsen with Ann (Right) Ann speaks to Coca-Cola representative, Nathan Newport
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NATIONAL GREEN JOBS CORPS TEAM GRADUATES

It has been an extensive journey for what started as a team of ten, with six National Green Jobs Corps team members graduating on Wednesday, February 9. Already, two team members have commenced employment with a third participant, Anthony Duggen, having a job interview just before the graduation and being told he starts work the next day!  

Three of the team relocated to increase their job prospects and five gained their full qualification in Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

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(Left L-R) IMPACT Supervisor Peter Maike; Team Member Skye-Blue Woodgate and Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT Chief Executive.(Centre L-R) Team members: Antonio Houston, Cody Dunin, Matthew Lennox, Peter Maike (IMPACT Supervisor), Skye-Blue Woodgate, Anthony Duggan. (Right L-R) Anthony Duggan, Cody Dunin, Matthew Lennox

Luke Gibson a member of this team was successful in gaining a position as a Trainee with Bundaberg Regional Council’s Parks and Gardens department. Luke worked with IMPACT staff member Pam Middleton to refine his resume and prepare for his interview – congratulations Luke, this was a great outcome for you!

If you are interested in being a future participant in one of our ‘green teams’, please contact Rick Johnstone on 4153 4233 or click here for more information on the National Green Jobs Corps!

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IMPACT BUILDING PROGRAM FINALLY GETS OFF THE GROUND

Well it’s finally official! The IMPACT building project has started with a planned completion date of May/June 2011. The project will alleviate the space shortages being experienced, deliver a new workshop and better utilise the existing space which was once the old workshops and a squash court to include a training canteen, function & recreational areas, additional offices and training space. 

“At present we have staff using temporary demountable office space to cope with the significant growth experienced by the organisation in 2010, the workshops are too noisy being housed within the existing building and our canteen needs more space to cope with catering for the significant numbers of people and functions at IMPACT” said Steve Beer, Senior Manager.

Once the building project is complete IMPACT will have sufficient space to accommodate its existing staff and services with clients benefiting from access to quality purpose built resources.

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The Building process at IMPACT Make Your Mark
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GREEN ARMY TEAM GRADUATES
 

Graduations of environmental teams came thick and fast with the Green Army team also completing their work experience project this month.

“Three young people from this project have successfully moved into employment with another participant notified on the day of their graduation that  he gained employment, and started work the following Monday. Another two participants were accepted into an indigenous Dance Academy in Brisbane. What fantastic outcomes for all the participants!” reports Rick Johnstone, IMPACT Program Manager.

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(Left) Green Army participants Willy Nagas and David Trotter (Middle Left) Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT Chief Executive with Green Army graduate Timothy Jennings & IMPACT Supervisor Nathan Tanner (Middle right) Willy Nagas, Bridgett Karolak, Mathew Lawler, Emily Grundy, Sherrie Tarare, Timothy Jennings with IMPACT Staff, Nathan Tanner & Tanya O’Shea (at back)
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Green Army team working at Lions Park helping with flood recovery

If you are interested in being a future participant in one of our ‘green teams’, please contact Rick Johnstone on 4153 4233 or click here for more information on the Green Army!

This project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative

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