A new community project in Wilsonton Heights, Queensland uses recycled timber collected from skip bins to address unemployment and create an immediate income. Source: The Chronicle (Toowoomba)
The Heights Community Centre in Toowoomba provides a sustainable and practical six-week course for job seekers to learn a new skill, get “job ready” and gain a Certificate I in construction.
The products they build are then sold at extremely affordable prices.
The initiative was instigated by project coordinator James McKay who had witnessed first-hand an unemployment issue in Wilsonton Heights.
“The inspiration was that we have unemployment issue here and an opportunity issue as well and we have found a way that people of all ages, but young people in particular, can learn some skills and make an income,” he said.
The project had unofficially been running for eight months then started offering the course a few months ago.
Those unemployed are encouraged to build products from left over timber.
Mr McKay said while the program was for everyone, it targeted indigenous Australians looking for work.
“There is a large population of indigenous Australians living here and I see it every day, the disadvantages they face,” he said.
“It is tougher. There’s a stereotype that these people are lazy, well when you’ve got an 18-year-old who has no transport at home and no support, it’s different.
“When I got my job my parents packed me lunch and took me to work when I was 16 and (I had) all that support behind me, (some) people don’t have that.”
The initiative has already helped many.
Wilsonton Heights resident Jayden Weatherall was voluntarily building furniture from recycled timber at the centre before the course was offered. He has built coffee tables, wardrobes and even repaired furniture for others.
Now he has completed his certificate and still comes in about three times a week to help out.
The students are trained by Sonny Pan from Downs Training Group.
“The socio-economics of this area are extremely tough. Gentleman like Jayden come through, living in these conditions, but wanting to improve themselves, now look at what he is making,” Mr Pan said.
“The way he is feeling now, that’s what we want for everyone.”
