In November 2023, Cape York Employment hosted their second Joint Services events of the year. The event spanned two days in Lockhart River and three days in Aurukun, offering access to essential services, including Learner Permits, P2 Open Licenses, Blue Cards, Yellow Cards, banking needs and vital ID documents – all aimed at enhancing job readiness.
The community came together for this biannual event, with many eagerly completing their driving tests and accessing these essential services. The event attracted a total of 230 people, with 54 and 176 attending Lockhart and Aurukun respectively.
In Lockhart River, Aunty Beverly obtained her Learner Permit, hoping to inspire the younger generations to work towards their drivers licence. Her hope is for them to be able to not only feel empowered, but to contribute to their community by assisting Elders with trips to the grocery store and appointments. She believes having a licence means young people can also spend more time with their Elders, learning from them, and fishing and hunting out in the bush.
“Events like these are really good to help empower our young people and motivate them to get their licence,” Aunty Beverly said.
Aunty Mary after passing her Learner Permit test
As Aunty Mary sets an example for Lockhart River's youth, another inspiring local, Charmaine, wants to give back to her community by finding a job that involves helping others. After spending a few months in Cairns, where she volunteered daily at homeless shelters, she realised she would need to obtain a Blue Card. Charmaine was hesitant to visit the big offices in Cairns, unsure whether she would receive culturally appropriate service. She returned to Lockhart River and with Joint Services being in the area, she came in for assistance with her Blue Card application with the support of Cape York Employment staff.
“It’s so good having Joint Services in community on Country. It enabled me to attain my Blue Card to upskill to get a better job and help out the community,” Charmaine said.
Charmaine back in her home community, Lockhart River.
Another individual who returned to her community is 24-year-old Earlene from Aurukun. Earlene has been living in Noosa this year, working hard on getting her driving hours up so she could obtain her P2 Open Licence.
“It was very hard because I had to save at least $300 each fortnight for my driving lessons. I couldn’t buy food sometimes,” Earlene said.
To save money, Earlene worked for the NRL, doing everything from refereeing to helping run activities in primary schools all over the country.
“It’s getting harder to get a job as I get older because employers expect more qualifications, so I decided to come home and spend time with my family while I work on getting more qualified,” she explained.
Charmaine went on to successfully obtained her P2 Open Driver’s Licence at the Joint Services event, and now has her sights set on studying Sport and Recreation, with dreams of working for the local PCYC. Not only that, but she plans to save hard for the next few years so she can buy her dream car – a Toyota Hilux. “I’m a Toyota girl all the way,” Earlene said with a giggle.
Earlene after passing her P2 Open Licence test
While there were many people who successfully passed their P2 tests, the Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit also had a visit from people like Alair, who urgently needed to renew his licence. Alair drives the local garbage truck, but he had just one day left before his licence expired – luckily Joint Services arrived just in time.
“Now I can still go pick up rubbish from the school and community tomorrow. I’m so happy I can keep working,” Alair said.
Alair after successfully renewing his Drivers Licence
The Aurukun community were also grateful to have the help of CYE staff member, Tanya, who helped visitors overcome language barriers during their Hazards Perception test, and Shane, an instructor from the Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit who held driving theory lessons for those working towards their Learner Permit.
CYE Staff member, Tanya, helping locals interpret their Hazards Perception Test (left) and IDLU staff member, Shane, conducting driving theory lessons (right).
Meanwhile, other CYE staff were available to assist people with the paperwork they required for their job applications, including customer reference numbers, birth certificates and other identification.
Cape York Employment Team Leader, Rachell Jose, said, “The event was a huge hit! We assisted over 200 individuals across both locations. It’s so warming seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they get their licence for the first time, or they feel relieved knowing they don’t have to stress about their employment paperwork.”
The Joint Services event wrapped up with great success, leaving many locals feeling empowered and confident stepping into the workforce.
