Prime Ministers Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2004
On the evening of 14 June 2005 a field of 370 nominations was narrowed to three to receive major awards in the Prime Minister’s Work for the Dole Achievement Awards for 2004, presented by the then Minister for Workforce Participation, the Hon Peter Dutton MP.
The sixth annual awards highlighted the benefits of the programme to communities and participants alike.
A moving presentation demonstrated the programme’s ability to provide even the most disadvantaged job seekers with life-changing experiences.
Winners the Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2004
Best Work for the Dole Participant
Angela Field, Adventure Assisting Youth activity, Lithgow NSW. Abseiling and caving activities boosted Angela’s confidence and enthusiasm. Angela now volunteers for Aspire Co-operative organising adventure activities for disadvantaged youth in rural NSW. Angela has used her training credits to complete a number of Vocational Education courses in Outdoor recreation, broadening her horizons and opportunities for securing employment.
Angela Field-Participant, the then Minister for Workforce Participation, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Claire Theobald- Activity Supervisor
Best Work for the Dole Supervisor
Robert Mackie, Rotary Club Safety Cycle Centre, Katherine, NT. Robert initiated the construction of a Safety Cycle Centre and also raised the $350,000 to ensure the project proceeded. Using his profile within the Katherine community and drawing on his own experiences from a challenging life, Robert was able to positively motivate participants facing their own challenges as a result of long term unemployment and other life issues.
Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion, Robert Mackie- Supervisor, Lesley Neimann of Industry Education Network and the then Minister for Workforce Participation, the Hon Peter Dutton MP.
Best Work for the Dole Activity
Mount Barrow Historic Forest Trail, Launceston, TAS, participants employed traditional techniques to recreate the roads and huts of forest workers in Tasmania in the 1900s. Participants gained accredited training in a variety of skills areas and the activity enjoyed outstanding employment outcomes.
The Work for the Dole programme has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1997. In 2004 alone over 5 700 activities provided 65 000 opportunities for participants across Australia.
David Cox of Forestry Tasmania, Jo Field- Activity Supervisor and the then Minister for Workforce Participation, the Hon Peter Dutton MP.
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Finalists in the Awards also included
In the category of Best Work for the Dole Participant 2004
- Barbara Harrison, Toowoomba Jobseekers Website activity, Toowoomba, QLD. During this activity Barbara discovered a natural aptitude for working with computers. Her newfound skills and fresh outlook assisted her to secure employment prior to the completion of the activity.
- Elizabeth Sales, Little Sew and Sews activity, Woodridge, QLD. Experiencing significant language and cultural barriers to gaining employment as a migrant to Australia, Elizabeth developed skills while providing resources for babies, the aged and the terminally ill.
In the category of Best Work for the Dole Supervisor 2004
- Jeff Meyer, KEPWORX, Bundaberg, QLD. Jeff worked with participants providing support to the Kepnock State High School and local community by maintaining facilities within the school. Jeff actively promotes the accomplishments of the Work for the Dole programme within his community. A number of participants have gained employment as a result of Jeff’s advocacy, support and encouragement.
- Andrew Wilson, Digital Daze, Yarraville Community Centre, Yarraville, VIC. Previously a participant of the Work for the Dole programme, Andrew this year supervised participants. Andrew’s own success in the Work for the Dole programme and his genuine thoughtfulness towards participants, empowered them to gain new skills and look for work with confidence.
In the category of Best Work for the Dole Activity 2004
Caring for our Community
Nimbin Peace Park, Nimbin, NSW. This activity involved participants planning and constructing of the largest skate park of its kind in Australia. The activity provided participants with the opportunity to gain skills in trade areas currently in demand Australia-wide. The park now provides Nimbin area youth with a much needed sporting and recreational facility.
Caring for Our Environment
8 Mile Creek Maintenance project, Thurgoona, NSW. Work carried out in this activity fostered water based ecological systems, providing habitats for indigenous flora and fauna. The activity assisted in the creation of wetlands that are educational and of value to the local community and its tourism industry.
Caring for People
Freewheelers and Restorers activity, Bunbury, WA, saw participants producing personalised tricycles for children with special needs and restoring an historic school bus. Participants in this activity provided a meaningful contribution to the disadvantaged and gave the community a resource for fundraising and social events.
WFD Achievement Awards 2004 Booklet
This booklet features participants, supervisors and activities which have been recognised by a Work for the Dole Achievement Award 2004. These awards acknowledge the provision of needed facilities and services to local communities and quality work experience opportunities for unemployed people.
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