THERE will soon be more Indigenous faces in frontline tourism positions thanks to the dedication and innovation of a local training organisation, says Federal MP Warren Entsch.
The team at Deadly Success, along with a number of local Reef tourism operators and Mr Entsch (also representing the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott), today launched the ‘Deadly Success on Water’ Indigenous Employment Program.
“While some figures reveal the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people will not be halved within a decade, the team at Deadly Success have a different view,” Mr Entsch said today.
“It’s a huge credit to each of these employers involved in the scheme ? Big Cat Green Island Cruises, Passions of Paradise, Reef Magic Cruises, Tusa Dive, and Raging Thunder ? that they’ve taken on these twelve, enthusiastic young workers.”
Mr Entsch gave a special thanks to Mr Steve Davies, General Manager of Big Cat Green Island cruises, who represented all of the reef operators.
“Giving these young men and women, from underprivileged backgrounds, training and a job is not just an act of benevolence,” said Mr Entsch, “This is a two-way street ? tourism businesses who hire Aboriginal people are a huge drawcard to tourists who are fascinated by Australia’s Indigenous culture.”
In February, the Leichhardt MP attended the graduation of the first cohort who undertook the Deadly Success program at the Shangri-La.
This program has real guaranteed jobs for every participant, focusing on long term sustainable employment and a career pathway ? not just a dead-end job.
Mr Entsch offered his deepest congratulations to today’s trainees.
“I believe that employment is the driving force of reconciliation as people who have a job tend to have better health, housing and overall well-being,” he said.
“This model ensures that jobseekers are job-ready and have the skills and relevant training to fill a guaranteed position.”
Jeremy Donovan, National Leader of Generation One, said that when training is connected to a job it breaks the cycle of ‘Training for Training sake’.
“The job at the end of the training provides hope for the candidates ? for most this is a career milestone while completing a nationally recognised qualification through Registered Training Organisations.”
Participants, the Deadly success Team and representatives from all of the Reef Operators involved will be available for interviews.
For further information and to arrange interviews or photos with any of the stake-holders please contact Bronwen Gratton on 0448 011 566.
