Rebuilding homes and lives in Queensland

Eleven young Queenslanders have taken our ‘transformation’ philosophy to heart, making positive changes to their own lives while rebuilding a flood-damaged house.

The young men were part of the Mission Australia Access Program that aimed to fill a skills shortage in the wake of the Queensland floods. The Access Program provides vulnerable job seekers with the skills and motivation to gain apprenticeships.

For four weeks the young men attended TAFE, studying units from the Solid Wall and Ceiling Plastering Certification. They then spent a week putting their new knowledge to the test as they worked on a flood-affected house in the Ipswich suburb of Bundamba.

Few of the boys had had any real work experience and Mission Australia Access Program team member, Leonie Doyle, said she was bowled over by the enthusiasm shown by the young men. “When I first told them they were going to be restoring a home, they were really excited and counted down the weeks until they could start,” she explained. “They were determined to do as much as they could in the flood-affected community.”

Working in small teams under the supervision of their teachers, the boys fixed new lining boards to the walls and ceiling, even relining the linen cupboard and pantry. “The owners were most grateful – on the last day they told the boys they were moving their bed inside after months living in a caravan,” Ms Doyle said. “The sense of achievement and pride the boys felt was wonderful to see.”

Five of the young men have now started plastering apprenticeships and are continuing to work on the Rebuilding Brisbane project. Another has started an apprenticeship in spray painting and two others have also gained employment. This is a wonderful example of the way Mission Australia is able to meet community need while empowering lives.