Community members from Aurukun and Lockhart River came together to boost their employability at Cape York Employment’s regular Joint Services event, which unites essential services to empower residents to enhance their job-ready skills and access vital resources.
At the end of August, dozens of people attended Aurukun’s second joint services event of the year at the Wo’uw Ko’alam Community Centre. Attendees made great use of the services offered, such as Blue Card Services, Westpac, Indigenous Driver Licensing program, and State Penalty Enforcement Registry (SPER), with many visiting multiple services over the day.
Joint Services is like a one stop shop, where most of the essential services are in one place at the same time. Community members are encouraged to access these services to obtain their identification, licenses to help them gain employment.
Delwyn Blowhard managed to get his Medicare and Blue Card sorted, and even take and pass his practical Driver Licence test before the sun went down.
Joint Services also allows people like Brian Jolliffe to acquire essential documents or cards to prepare them for the workforce. Brian needed to get a white card to be eligible for a job in Aurukun, and without it, he may not have been able to apply in time.
“I like to work, and having Joint Services here is helping point me in the right direction,” Brian said.
CYE Engagement and Development Manager Kere Geno said the turnout for Aurukun was tremendous.
“Licensing got the most attention from the community, but the other services were busy as well,” he said.
We had people coming in from when we opened the doors until they shut each day – it was amazing to see"
CYE Engagement and Development Manager, Kere Geno
Following on from Joint Services Cape York Employment, Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit, APN and Aurukun Shire Council were able to organise a driving test for MR and HR licenses. Eleven people were able to get their Medium Rigid (MR) Driver Licenses and four with Heavy Rigid Drivers Licenses.
“We also appreciate the assistance from CHC Contractors and Aurukun Shire Council for providing their vehicles to assist community members to get their truck licences,” Kere said.
“Cape York Employment is looking forward to working in collaboration with the all the stakeholders to provide the necessary services in community.”
The sentiment was similar just a few weeks later when Joint Services was held in Lockhart River, where locals such as Brendan Piva used the opportunity to get his HR Licence.
It looked like Brendan wouldn’t be able to take his test initially, with no truck on hand and an expensive hire fee. However, another local person stepped up to help and lent his truck for Brendan to take the test.
CYE Team Leader Maria Zaro said having Joint Services in Lockhart River is vital for the community.
“Joint Services is a significant event for our community. It brings together all these essential services that make a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.
“We saw a good turnout, and it was inspiring to see our community members actively engaging to improve their employability and access vital support. It’s all about empowering people with the tools and confidence to move forward.”
Watching people walk away with new skills that open doors to employment motivates our team every day."
CYE Team Leader, Maria Zaro