Tag Archives: recycling

Oakey Gains Partnerships & Young Legends Awards

The Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Awards (Darling Downs) were presented recently in Toowoomba at Marks Courtyard, City Hall with Toowoomba  Regional Council towns featuring prominently. Two of the awards were secured by Oakey: 1. The OneSteel Recycling PARTNERSHIPS AWARD Over 130 agencies and individuals are partners involved in the Oakey Jigsaw initiative. The social problems of the town were highlighted and Health Services, indigenous workers, Toowoomba Regional Council, State Government, churches, community groups, sporting clubs, Emergency Services, employment services and the University of Southern Queensland all had valuble input into a plan to address Oakey’s problems. They all worked together to understand each other’s roles, the services they were able to  offer, and shared knowledge to ensure Oakey’s future is positive and productive. 2. YOUNG LEGENDS AWARD One of the outcomes of the Oakey Jigsaw projectwas the formation of the Oakey Traditional Dance Troupe which consists of between 30 and 40 children and teenagers led by a 16 year old who knows that it is “OK to be aboriginal in Oakey.’  The Troupe has performed at Oakey, Toowoomba (with John Williamson) and Dalby Shows and a number of other community events. Very positive outcomes from this initiative include the boost to the childrens’ self esteem and a very noticeable attitude change amongst Oakey’s aboriginal youth. Audio Report – Gordon Patterson speaks with David Totenhofer, Lorraine See and Jennifer Wharton. Continue reading

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Toowoomba Graduation for five Green Army workers

Five recruits on Lifeline’s Green Army Recycling project have graduated with new skills and self-confidence after completing 23 weeks paid work. The State Government provided $228,000 to the Queensland’s Green Army project to employ 12 jobseekers at Lifeline’s Distribution Centre and Smart Tip Shop to reduce landfill by identifying reusable and recyclable materials. Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Business Coordinator Angela Klein said the project included some accredited training so participants worked safely and gained some valuable skills. “Two participants have earned their fork lift licences and another completed a course and gained a Statement of Attainment so he can check, test and tag electrical equipment as safe.” Ms Klein said “We’ve also helped each person to improve their resume and we will keep supporting them as they start searching for their next jobs.” Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine attended the event and said the project had helped the wider community while offering the participants an excellent chance to sharpen their workplace skills. “All jobseekers can check their eligibility and I encourage them to register their interest in joining a Queensland’s Green Army project like this through the website www.greenarmy.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 925.” L to R Lifeline General Manager Derek Tuffield, Philip Obote, Percy Popovich, Lifeline Business Coordinator Angela Klein, Emmanuel Mansaray, Charlef Ochan, Nick Dowdle, Lifeline board executive chair person Tai Soo Kim Watson, Lynnette Pirie and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine. Continue reading

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