Fresh opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to overcome long term unemployment are coming to Inverell and Moree this week.
The highly acclaimed Momentum Program, was collaboratively developed by Real Futures, Pathfinders, and ACE Community Colleges. The next Momentum Program sign-up events will take place at:
- INVERELL – August 6, 2024, at the Linking Together Centre, 17 Wattle Place, Inverell, from 9am – 3pm
- MOREE – August 7, 2024, at the Moree SHAE Academy, 114 Anne Street, Moree from 10am – 2pm.
Momentum offers free support to eligible applicants with practical things most people don’t have to worry about, including assistance with getting birth certificates or a driver’s licence acquisition, as well as finding sustainable employment opportunities.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, be aged between 16-55 years, not employed, and not participating in other funded activities excluded from this program. Individuals are advised to bring any available identification documents, such as Medicare Card, Health Care Card, Certificate of Aboriginality, Student ID card, Health Care Card, or Pension Card to help facilitate getting a birth certificate.
Momentum represents a groundbreaking collaboration among three local organisations. Pathfinders plays a crucial role in assisting individuals with obtaining their birth certificates, while Ace Community Colleges provides guidance and support in obtaining driver’s licences. Real Futures specialises in employment readiness, training services, and job placements, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in their journey towards sustainable employment.
“Momentum is a program that brings together essential services to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Anthony Cowan, Momentum Program Manager.
“The significance of possessing a birth certificate cannot be understated, as it unlocks essential rights, such as voting, opening a bank account, or obtaining a driver’s licence.”
“Without this vital document, individuals face numerous challenges, including difficulties in finding employment,” said Pathfinders Momentum Coordinator, Phillip Bird.
“The impact we have witnessed through our driving licence program alone is remarkable, and the collaboration of these three services holds immense promise,” Natalie Hannah of ACE Community Colleges said.
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