An innovative Australian Government program will help up to 80 young Indigenous people from remote South Australian communities to gain valuable training and career opportunities.

Mission Australia, one of the country’s leading community service organisations, has been selected to deliver the landmark Indigenous Youth Mobility Programme (IYMP) in SA and the Northern Territory.

Aimed at helping young Indigenous Australians fulfil their own ambitions and at boosting critical skills in remote communities, the four year IYMP is part of a special $23.1 million training and employment national programme funded by the Australian Government.

Mission Australia’s SA Manager Mark Herselman said the program, to be officially launched on Friday, June 23, will work with targeted remote communities to address cultural and social issues that may prevent young people moving to Adelaide for training and work.

“Making the move away to undertake study or training can be very stressful for young Indigenous people from remote communities, they face all sorts of cultural and education issues, and many suffer extreme homesickness being away from their families and communities,” said Mr Herselman.

“Without support, many give up, and either head back home disappointed or become dislocated from their communities as well.

“The IYMP participants, aged 16-24 years from across SA and central Australia, were selected after extensive consultation with their families and communities. They will be based in Adelaide for Pre-Vocational Training, New Apprenticeships, or tertiary pathways including nursing, teaching, accounting and business management.

“Mission Australia will support them throughout their time in Adelaide, helping them to overcome barriers and learn how to live independently,” he said.

Upon completion, the young people may choose to return to their own communities to take up skilled jobs that are currently often filled by non-Indigenous workers.

Under the initiative, Mission Australia’s special South Australian Indigenous Programs team Bandi Kumangka (“to shine together”) will provide wide-ranging support on a one-to-one basis. They will also be assisted by a group of Kaurna elders.

Mission Australia delivers 146 community services across Australia, including a range of services in SA dealing with homelessness, poverty, family disruption, youth issues, and drug and alcohol abuse.

It is one of the biggest employment service operators in the nation, assisting jobseekers with their search for work through a variety of programs, while providing employers with highly trained and job-ready staff.

For more information,
Mark Herselman, SA Manager - Mission Australia, Mobile 0403 183 002
Chris Rann, Rann Communication, (08) 8211 7771

Mission Australia is one of Australia’s leading community service groups. It operates more than 300 employment, community service, housing and rehabilitation programs across the nation. In South Australia, it has strong expertise in dealing with homelessness, poverty, family disruption, youth issues, and drug and alcohol abuse.