Prime Ministers Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2002 - Caring for People
Award: Winner Caring for People
Name: On the Pulse, Bendigo VIC
From left to right: Winner Caring for People category, Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2002
Senator Tsebin Tchen, Senator for Victoria, Ms Joanne Badke, The Salvation Army Employment Plus;
Mr Grant Richards, WFD participant; Ms Carmel Marshall, Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative; The Hon Tony Abbott MP, Minister For Employment and Workplace Relations The Hon Mal Brough MP, Minister for Employment Services
Description
The Salvation Army Employment Plus and Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative have won the Best Activity in the Caring for People category at the Prime Minister’s Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2002. This award recognises the contributions that these organisations have made to unemployed people as well as their achievements in helping to provide quality services and facilities to their local communities.
This Work for the Dole activity developed partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Work for the Dole participants received work experience in a practice that offered a range of services including a doctor’s service, podiatrist, maternal health nurse and health promotion. It provided participants with qualifications in a field where there is a shortage of skilled people in Bendigo, Victoria.
Participants gained knowledge and experience in medical reception duties including sterilisation, correct handling of hazardous materials, filing and administration, Medicare procedures, public relations and an understanding of the cultural barriers faced by indigenous families.
Participants also received ongoing support from the Indigenous Cooperative and Health Promotion Officer in obtaining the Flexible Learning Certificate in Medical Reception and Terminology.
Participants acquired a variety of work skills and gained experience in working as part of a team as well as independently. They also gained satisfaction from knowing that they are helping to develop partnerships and understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. At the completion of their placement, participants receive a Training Credit up to the value of $800 to pursue further training and a Passport to Employment to help them gain paid employment.