This initiative marked an important moment for Aboriginal employment and environmental care in the Cowra region. Eight Aboriginal participants completed training to start careers in the horticulture industry through a collaboration between Skillset, Cowra Aboriginal Lands Council, Training Services, Central Tablelands Local Land Services and TAFE NSW Cowra.
The week-long training program provided a Statement of Attainment in Materials Handling and Applying WHS. Following the training, participants were offered casual employment as part of a Skillset Land Works Indigenous Crew.
The First Project
The crew’s first assignment was the Environment Protection Authority’s Aboriginal Land Clean Up and Prevention Program. This project aimed to reduce illegal dumping on Aboriginal land, install deterrence measures, and engage local people in caring for Country through knowledge sharing and practical land management skills.
Illegal dumping had been a persistent issue in the Cowra region, affecting vegetation reserves and areas near the Lachlan River. Removing waste and restoring these sites improved environmental health, community pride and safety.
Community Impact
Participants gained hands-on experience while contributing to projects that benefited the entire community. As one participant shared:
“I attended the Land Works training course at TAFE NSW and was employed to work on clean-up and environmental projects at Erambie mission. I looked forward to making the mission a better place for the community.”
Community members welcomed the program, noting its importance in creating local employment and supporting environmental rehabilitation.
Why This Matters
Although this program has concluded, it stands as an example of how collaboration between local organisations and training providers can create meaningful opportunities. It also highlights the value of connecting cultural knowledge with practical skills to care for Country.
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Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.