Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2003
The enormous contribution Work for the Dole makes to the Australian community has been recognised by the Prime Minister’s Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 2003, announced at a dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Wednesday 23 June 2004.
The then Minister for Employment Services, the Hon Mal Brough MP presented the Awards at the event, which rewarded excellence and recognised the continued efforts and innovation of Community Work Co-ordinators, Work for the Dole Sponsors and participants.
A record number of 415 nominations were received this year and were judged by an independent panel. Nearly 500 people gathered to see awards presented to winners and finalists in three major categories:
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Best Work for the Dole Participant
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Best Work for the Dole Supervisor
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Best Work for the Dole Activity
The 2003 Award winners are:
Best Work for the Dole Participant – Kathy Tomkins of Bundaberg. After a long history of disadvantage and unemployment , Kathy’s placement with the Salvation Army Store in Bundaberg, coordinated by Skill Centred Queensland, was the start of her journey back. Working as a retail shop assistant, Kathy received community support and gained an insight into her potential. She used her training credits to complete a Certificate 2 in Business Studies.
Best Work for the Dole Supervisor – June Tardrew of Koondoola, a northern Perth suburb. June has been a supervisor with Mercy Community Services for four years and she supervises participants in a wide range of activities such as child-care, bus-driving, cleaning, reception duties and research. June has a deep involvement with the local community and a strong commitment to each participant, building on their strengths.
Best Work for the Dole Activity – Food for Thought at Thuringowa, near Townsville. The project, sponsored by Twin Cities Life, provided nutritious food for primary school children. The local council had conducted research that showed that local children’s behaviour and academic performance were often related to poor nutrition. Providing nutritious food for the children at the Rasmussen State School led to noticeable improvements in their behaviour and school attendance. Participants learned skills in purchasing and packing food, and making craft items which the local schools uses to raise funds.
This year a new Special Recognition Award – Drought Force gives recognition to Community Work Coordinators who have made outstanding contributions to implementing Drought Force. The joint winners are:
WFD Achievement Awards 2003 Booklet
This booklet features participants, supervisors and activities which have been recognised by a Work for the Dole Achievement Award 2003. These awards acknowledge the provision of needed facilities and services to local communities and quality work experience opportunities for unemployed people.