Green volunteers get to work
THE newest members of a volunteer program that has so far contributed more than $300,000 in community benefits were given their assignments at Burringbar yesterday.
The latest Tweed National Green Jobs Corp project team was launched by environmental training and employment company Envite.
The volunteers, aged between 17 and 24, will undertake bush regeneration activities including weed-invasion treatment, regeneration, reconstruction and repairs, with an opportunity to receive a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management for their efforts.
Tweed shire deputy mayor Barry Longland officially set the team to work on the project, a joint initiative of Tweed Shire Council, Landcare and Job Futures.
Envite general manager Meg Nichols said participants emerged from the program with renewed enthusiasm, better social skills and greater self-esteem as well as a nationally recognised qualification.
A recent phone survey of past participants found 60% of respondents had obtained employment after completing the NGJC and another 20% proceeded to further study.
Tweed Shire teams have contributed more than 9000 hours of voluntary labour to the community.
“This is equivalent to a cost of over $300,000,” Ms Nichols said.
