Environmental and heritage landmarks across South Australia are to be given new leases of life under Green Corps programs set to be launched across the State by leading community services group, Mission Australia.

Mission Australia’s State Manager Mark Herselman said the six new Green Corps projects would include major restoration works at Mount Gambier’s famed Leg of Mutton Lake site, Kapunda’s historic Copper Mine Site, and the historic Murray Bridge Railway Station Refreshment Rooms.

Other projects would help protect the fragile sand dune environments at Port Noarlunga and Normanville, and improve and protect the Gumeracha Walking Trail and surrounding areas at Mount Crawford and Wirrabara.

“Mission Australia is pleased to be involved with such a wide range of projects in South Australia,” Mr Herselman said. “They will not only deliver important community, cultural, tourist and environmental benefits, but provide valuable training for local young people and help address skills shortages in the State, including vital rural regions.”

The 26 week programs, which will each involve ten local participants aged from 17-20 years old, are expected to begin this month (February 2007).

Green Corps is an Australian Government youth development and environmental training program, administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Heritage.

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 or Certificate 1 in General Construction and Senior First Aid Certificate) in return for their commitment.
“We’re expecting strong interest from young people wanting to develop skills in a fantastic range of fields, from horticulture, masonry, construction, planning and design,” Mr Herselman said.

Mission Australia is currently running a seventh Green Corps project in the Riverland.

For more information, please contact:

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