Moving the Mob celebration

IntoJobs and Mas National, both part of the IntoWork Group, have announced the successful completion of its third “Moving the Mob” program in Mount Gambier.

The eight-day initiative was crafted to provide a safe and supportive environment for First Nation people, guiding them on their journey towards employment while honouring and integrating their cultural values and practices.

The program went beyond traditional training and workshops, offering a range of engaging activities, including life skills sessions, cultural knowledge, budgeting, and cooking classes.

A group of 12 participants joined, with eight achieving 100% attendance.

A standout moment was the day spent with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation.

Ranger David New introduced the group to the vital land conservation work at Donovan’s Landing.

Participants got hands-on, tackling vegetation control and learning to remove invasive European plant species that threaten native flora.

This experience not only imparted valuable land care skills but also deepened their connection to the land and community.

Participants particularly praised the Manual Handling program and the Burrandies ranger day.

These activities highlighted their potential to positively impact their local community and showed how the skills they learned could be applied in various roles and industries.

The practical, real-world application of these skills was a significant confidence booster.

The program also aimed to create tangible employment opportunities.

Four participants are now being actively promoted for local jobs.

Three are being considered for positions at Coles, three have expressed interest in future paid or unpaid roles with Burrandies, and one has been recommended for a position at the Mount Gambier Racing Club.

These opportunities are a direct outcome of the program’s focus on skill-building and connecting participants with local employers.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

They valued the culturally relevant training provided by IntoJobs, which made the program more meaningful and engaging.

Many reported increased confidence in entering the workforce and appreciated the support and encouragement they received.

“The program reminded me that I can make a difference in my community and that my skills are valuable,” one participant remarked.

The group expressed a strong desire to continue meeting monthly to stay connected and build on their progress.

This ongoing support is essential for maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term success.

The “Moving the Mob” program, alongside similar initiatives in Murray Bridge and Berri, has shown impressive results for participants.

It underscores the importance of cultural identity in the workplace and the values of respect, community, and collaboration.

IntoJobs National Program Manager Bruno Bonaccurso said these programs are not just about preparing individuals for employment; they are about empowering them to play an active role in their community and forge a brighter future.

“IntoJobs is committed to supporting Indigenous communities and we look forward to the next ‘Moving the Mob’ program,” he said.

“Our goal is to create more opportunities for First Nation individuals to thrive in the workforce while preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.”

The success of the program was a result of the collaboration between various stakeholders and industry partners, including Mas National and Mas Allied Health (both part of the IntoWork Group), Populi, SYC and Limestone Coast Training.

Mas National chief executive Ruth Hundertmark was delighted with the program.

“We’re thrilled with the success of Moving the Mob in Mount Gambier,” she said.

“Our collaboration with IntoJobs and other partners has been instrumental in boosting participants’ confidence and connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities. We are committed to continuing this support and expanding these initiatives.”