Planting the Seeds for Change'-Youth Employment

When a small group of private sector business executives got together back in1990 they realised there was a huge gap in the system for young people finding jobs. Today their organisation, WorkPlacement, has a lot to celebrate.
WorkPlacement has experienced phenomenal growth. It 1997 it won contracts to operate as one of the Federal Government’s Job Network Members as well as remaining committed to shaping new and innovative solutions to youth unemployment.
WorkPlacement’s mission is to directly engage Australian Businesses in getting unemployed young people into real jobs.
Development Manager, Justin Bown says WorkPlacement has achieved great success in reducing youth unemployment through partnering with the business community, the philanthropic sector and government.
Bown says the success of it programs such as the Regional Environment Employment Program and the Youth Futures Program based in Frankston and Dandenong in Melbourne are due to their innovation, flexibility and often non-traditional but successful ways of engaging disadvantaged young people.
One of the organisation’s main fundraising activities is the annual Hollingworth Trust Lecture, which honours WorkPlacement Patron, the Most Reverend Peter Hollingworth, the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane.
Last year’s lecture was delivered by the Prime Minister, John Howard on the topic of ‘Opportunities for Australian Youth’ and received widespread media and community attention.
Justin Bown says this year’s lecture promises to continue the tradition with one of Australia’s most exciting and inspirational speakers, Cape York Aboriginal leader, Noel Pearson. The theme is ‘Planting the Seeds for Change’.
Pearson will discuss his proposal for the Cape York Partnership Plan where welfare payments go to communities rather than individuals. His notion of partnership also includes the development of a formal structure between all levels of government and communities to make decisions together rather than in isolation.
The Hollingworth Trust Lecture will take place in Melbourne on Thursday 30th November in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Sofitel. A cocktail reception before the lecture begins at 6.pm.
For information and bookings contact WorkPlacement on 03 9639 8555 or e-mail us here at probono@probonoaustralia.com.au and we will provide an RSVP form.