Key South Australian landmark, the Kapunda Copper Mine Site, is to be given a new lease of life as a tourist and community attraction under a Green Corps program being launched by leading community services group, Mission Australia, in partnership with the Light Regional Council.

Mission Australia’s State Manager Mark Herselman said the conservation program for the mine site, home of Australia’s first commercial metal mine, would help preserve and protect its history and begin planning for a regional botanical gardens.

“The Kapunda Copper Mine Site is an extraordinary place, steeped in history and heritage,” Mr Herselman said. “Mission Australia is thrilled to be involved in a project that will not only deliver clear cultural and environmental benefits for the region, but also of course provide valuable training for local young people,” Mr Roffe said.

The 26 week program, to involve ten local participants aged from 17-20 years old, is expected to begin in March 2007 and will:

• maintain and preserve heritage structures
• improve walking trails and site drainage
• develop demonstration plantings featuring local native plants, and
• commence the process of planning a regional botanical garden at the site,

Green Corps is an Australian Government youth development and environmental training program. It provides young people with the opportunity to volunteer their time and effort to conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Participants receive a training allowance, uniforms, safety equipment and nationally accredited training (Certificate 2 in Horticulture, Senior First Aid Certificate) in return for their commitment.

The Kapunda Mine, which opened in 1844, was the first successful mine in Australia and a vital economic driver for South Australia in its early colonial days. It also made a major contribution to South Australia’s Cornish heritage. The mine site was placed on the State Heritage Register in 1984.

The Rehabilitation of the Historic Kapunda Copper Mine Site is one of six community conservation projects being launched for 2007 by Mission Australia across South Australia. Another, based in the Riverland, is close to completion.

“We’re expecting strong interest from young people wanting to be involved in the project in Kapunda,” Mr Herselman said. “This is a great opportunity for them to develop skills in a range of fields, from horticulture to masonry, planning and design – and it will also help address the regional skills shortage.”

For more information, please contact:

Mark Herselman, Mission Australia State Manager, (08) 8218 2800 or 0403 183 002 or Chris Rann, Rann Communication, (08) 8211 7771