
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has funded more than $1.7 million in projects in the region since June 2017 to continue a positive trend in employment outcomes for local people.
Four new employment and training projects provide industry-specific training for Community Development Programme (CDP) job seekers and Tagai students while also benefiting the wider community.
They include:
- The Cycleway (boardwalk) Project (Phase one)- This is the first phase of a multi-stage project that on completion will circle Thursday Island;
- Mabuyag Island Community Hall Project – upgrades and renovations to the hall;
- Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime Project – a continued partnership project with Tagai State College, My Pathway, and TAFE North QLD aimed at building Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal youth capability to utilise the region’s commercial maritime resources upon completion of grade 12;
- Mentors Project – to provide specialised knowledge / cultural support to assist the training needs of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal CDP Job Seekers and Secondary College students participating in various employment and training projects.
The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the training directly targets skill gaps identified for the current and near future labour market and prepares Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region for this employment.
“While the skills development component of these programmes is important, so too is the direct benefit to the community through upgraded and new facilities and the sense of pride once these projects are complete,” Mr Stephen said.
“To assist with the success of these projects the TSRA is also funding local mentors to impart specialised knowledge and provide cultural support to assist the needs of those participating in these employment and training projects.”
Accredited training outcomes include qualifications in concreting, construction and maritime operations, ranging from Certificates I to III.
The projects are delivered in partnership with the CDP Provider My Pathway, Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Tagai State College, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Great Barrier Reef TAFE.