A MACLEAY Island training group has been recognised for their efforts to help unemployed bay islander youth become work ready through conservation projects.
Running Wild – Youth Conservation Culture Inc has been named as a south-east Queensland finalist in the Queensland Training Awards.
They are one of seven organisations across Queensland shortlisted for the Community Training Initiative of the Year accolade, which will be handed out at the Queensland Training Awards Gala Dinner on September 8.
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Founder Julie “Chook” Larson said she was delighted the group had been recognised for their Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, which tasked job seekers with the removal of weeds and re-vegetation of conservation areas as part of the Macleay Island campground project.
“Over the past year we have branched out across the islands, where we are constantly working with other community groups to remove weeds, plant native trees and work on some minor infrastructure,” she said.
Redlands MP Kim Richards, who presented Running Wild with their south-east Queensland finalist award last month, said she was excited for the organisation.
She said they, and other organisations nominated, could be shortlisted for the national training awards if named as overall state winners.
“Celebrating the fantastic work so many people are doing in Queensland’s training sector is important as the state needs more skilled workers and businesses that support people to build careers in their industry,” she said.
Running Wild was set up five years ago to engage Southern Moreton Bay Islands youth.
The organisation also runs school holiday, youth conservation and work for the dole programs.
For more information about Running Wild – Youth Conservation Culture Inc, visit their Facebook page here.
