Orana Haven Aboriginal Corporation, the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council along with the Yadhamayi Men’s group have been collaborating with TAFE NSW to offer an opportunity for local people to gain job-ready skills.

Orana Haven is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre that delivers a culturally appropriate service to its clients and family.

As a way to support Orana Haven clients, Acting CEO Tracey Gordon has created a pathway to gain practical skills and a strong foundation that can create employment opportunities once they leave the centre.

She worked with TAFE to arrange a course in construction, an area with very high demand for workers across the region.

“At first, some of our clients weren’t all that interested in the course, but that has certainly changed as they’ve progressed,” said Ms Gordon. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow thanks to their studies, both in developing their construction skills, but also other important work and life skills like organisation, teamwork, and time management.

Construction teachers from TAFE NSW Dubbo are delivering the newly developed Certificate II in Construction to 14 clients undertaking the three-month rehabilitation program at Orana Haven.

Students at Orana Haven with TAFE NSW Construction teachers Harry West (top left) and Chris Newberry (top right). PHOTO: TAFE NSW

Participants Rodney Robbins and Eli Morris have been enjoying the course and the practical training it provides.

“Before this course I had no skills in construction, and at first I didn’t really want to do it,” said Mr Robbins. “But I got stuck in and I was hooked, and I’m now really enjoying the training.”

“I’ve especially enjoyed learning to use the power tools, working at heights, and the building,” said Mr Morris. “It’s been a really enjoyable course and I’m grateful for this experience.”

Construction teacher Chris Newberry taught both the Orana Haven clients an associated course that took place at the Brewarrina TAFE.

Yadhamayi, the Brewarrina men’s group, have been networking with the team from Brewarrina TAFE to provide white card training for community members. 

Brewarrina students complete their White Card training.

Chris Kirby, who runs the Yadhamayi men's group, has been working hard behind the scenes to get the Brewarrina community ready for work.

"It was a great turn out with 13 people receiving their white card qualification," Mr Kirby said. “This is a great opportunity for our community. We have started planning with Indigenous Business Australia to get a space for men’s and women’s group activities. It’s great to see so many keen to work, to get things done for our people.”

“The practical, job-ready skills students are learning gives them an opportunity to move forward from whatever has happened in their past into a career in construction or even further study,” said TAFE NSW Construction teacher Chris Newberry.

Education is key to overcoming the many challenges and disadvantages these students have faced.