Community Industry Group is proud to announce the launch of a report into the disconnect between the
need for workers particularly in the aged and disability sectors, and the unemployment rate for Aboriginal
people in Wollongong and Shoalhaven. The report is supported by a Toolkit to assist employers to build
more culturally saf e and culturally appropriate workplaces.
The project, facilitated by Community Industry Group, ensured local Aboriginal people were heard when
discussing their future employment opportunities.
Community Industry Group CEO, Nicky Sloan said, “This research has been entirely guided and informed by
Aboriginal people. We have been fortunate to attract highly skilled Aboriginal people to the Advisory
Committee, and this Committee led the research component, and has given feedback on the report an d the
resulting Toolkit.”
“The Attract Recognise Value Toolkit has been developed alongside a training session for employers,” added
Policy and Project Officer, Joni Braham. “Training will be conducted with key managers and HR staff
members from community service organisations, who will then be able to take the Toolkit and share their
learning with the whole organisation. ”
Aboriginal participants in the research identified a number of barriers to employment in generalist roles
within non -Aboriginal organisations, highlighting obstacles at every stage from the way positions are
advertised, to the interview process, on -boarding and ongoing employment and demonstrated
organisational cultural competency.
Ms Sloan said, “The resulting Toolkit includes practical elements such as fact sheets on Acknowledgment of
Country, how to make a workplace more attractive to Aboriginal people, and the significant events for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Ms Braham added, “Participants in the training will also learn how to conduct a cultural survey of their
workplace, and how to design short, medium and long term strategies to become more culturally
competent.”
The Attract Recognise Value report and Toolkit will be launched by Stephen Jones MP, Member for
Whitlam. The event will be attended by Anna Watson MP, Marianne Saliba, Mayor of Shellharbour.
member s of the Advisory Committee and invited guests.
Not for Publication – Details of the launch
Date: Monday 2 September 2019
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Warrigal Shell Cove, 50 Harb our Boulevard, Shell Cove
About the Community Industry Group
Community Industry (formerly known as Illawarra Forum) is the peak body working for community services
and organisations in the South East of NSW. It supports community organisations, promotes expertise and
innovation in community development, fosters industry development and provides advocacy for social
justice. Community Industry Group is an independent organisation governed by a committee of
man agement elected annually by the membership.
Community Industry Group represents the non -government community services industry in the South East
of NSW, which consists of a pproximately 300 organisations, and works closely with numerous organisations
which provide support to vulnerable people across the region.
