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We are a not-for-profit organisation with nearly twenty years experience working to make a difference in local communities on the NSW north coast. Through our three arms, we provide training, work experience and employment opportunities.
EnviTE Employment Expansion
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EnviTE Employment is expanding |
The National Green Jobs Corp program will finish in June 2012 and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has confirmed there will be “no environmental training and employment programs for the foreseeable future”. It will be the first time in 20 years that labour market programs of this type have not been available. This is despite the ongoing youth unemployment, social and environmental problems these programs can alleviate. This paper examines these issues and proposes an innovative program design for funding by Government and other investment sources. To read the full document please download the pdf Click here to sign the online petition, offer your support for these programs or make a comment. |
Read more: Vision for Environmental Training, Employment and Health Programs
Mayor Dowell launches youth training and work experience team
Mayor Jenny Dowell and a team full of enthusiastic young people recently met together at the Lismore Rainforest Botanical Gardens to launch the newest National Green Jobs Corps project.
"As well as meeting our local environmental and cultural heritage needs, these projects provide much needed training to young people in the area," said Mayor Dowell.
"By undertaking a variety of activities, the participants will gain valuable training and experience which will give them a real advantage when seeking employment", Mayor Dowell said.
The Mayor's positive remarks were echoed by those of participant Dallas Dangerfield, who commented on the tightness of the team and the friendships developing within the group.
Read more: Mayor Dowell launches youth training and work experience team
NGJC Coffs graduates lauded for achievements
EnviTE's latest National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) participants were recognised for their impressive achievements at a graduation ceremony held in Sawtell, Coffs Harbour, on 28 March.
"These young people have worked hard and the results speak for themselves - five have graduated with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, four have gained full-time employment and one has progressed to full time study," said EnviTE NGJC Coffs Harbour Supervisor Marcello De Nardis.
"They really seized the opportunity that NGJC gave them to develop marketable skills and to achieve recognised qualifications."
"You guys are fantastic"
It is comments like these that keep EnviTE Employment staff motivated and enthusiastic about helping young people find work or study opportunities.
"You guys are fantastic. My employment advisor has been great at listening and helping me to figure out my options," said Ashlea (pictured).
Eastern Dorrigo Plateau launch
The Eastern Dorrigo Plateau Environmental Trust Project was officially launched on Monday 28 February by Andrew Stoner, NSW National Party leader and Member for Oxley.
Mr Stoner met with landholders, Landcare, Coffs Harbour City Council and EnviTE Environment representatives on one of the three project sites near Ulong, where he presented a certificate acknowledging funding of $99,972 over three years from NSW Environmental Trust.
Working together to battle lantana
It is hot, sticky and unpleasant work but Don Durrant, local landholder, has no complaints as he works side by side with EnviTE Environment professional bush regenerators to tackle lantana.
His property, near Afterlee, is one of three high conservation value Richmond Valley sites selected for the biodiversity threat mitigation project funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
The three sites were selected on the basis of threatened species and the ability to build on additional funding sources so the overall on-ground results have been enhanced. Located at Upper Cooper's Creek Huonbrook, Myall Creek and the Afterlee area, two of the sites are on private land while one is on public land (state forest).Significant improvements at Blaxlands Creek
The Blaxlands Creek restoration project, now in its seventh year, continues to make significant improvements to the health and stability of the river thanks to a dedicated community steering committee, well-planned works by EnviTE Environment and sustained investment from the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA).
To date, work has been carried out on 25 properties along the river guided by a river health plan which identified priority sites and actions. Developed and implemented by EnviTE Environment, the work is overseen by a steering committee made up of community members.
Effective organic weed control
From the perspective of Kenrick Riley, Jiggi Valley resident:
Ever since my arrival in the Jiggi Valley in Northern NSW, I've driven past a large patch of attractive silver creeper climbing up a tree along the creek high up the valley.
Fifteen years later, I discover this is an escaped garden plant (Buddlea) - now an invasive noxious weed - that has slowly crept down the creek infesting farming properties along the way.
This titbit about another houseplant-gone-feral comes via Richard Burer, an Envite project officer, working on the final stage of a unique, three-year, Jiggi Creek (Vine Weeds) Project.Supporting conservation: Cassowary rainforest appeal
In the wake of devastating Cyclone Yasi, EnviTE Environment has contributed to the urgent appeal for funds issued by Bob Irwin, Rainforest Rescue and Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
Donations are desperately needed to enable ongoing food supplies to the endangered Cassowaries, a keystone species in the rainforests of northern Queensland.
Cassowaries play an integral role in helping to keep tropical rainforest diverse and flourishing through seed dispersal.
Read more: Supporting conservation: Cassowary rainforest appeal
Endangered rainforest shoots to life
After a concerted effort by EnviTE Environment professional bush regenerators and a team of volunteers from Emigrant Creek/Tintenbar landcare, two valuable Big Scrub rainforest sites threatened by environmental weeds are on their way to recovery.
"Each time it happens, I am amazed at the ability of our local area to rehabilitate itself once the invasive weeds have been removed," said EnviTE Environment supervisor Dan Cox (left).
"The long term benefits of the project include improved biodiversity, water quality and habitat for threatened flora and fauna."
More Articles...
Job seeker skills trainingEnviTE Employment provides skills training to job seekers clients. These take the form of skills needed to get a job, such as: resume writing, making follow up calls, cold calling and interview techniques. Online courses in areas such as: administration, software, time management and goal setting are also available to clients. Our EnviTE Employment offices have computers and internet connections set up for use by jobseeker clients to assist with completing these courses. |