Wadamba

Team work makes the dream work and we're very proud to secure a Civil Construction traineeship for one of our participants in partnership with A2B Personnel.

Opportunities like this make it all worth it, not only for Wadamba participants looking to turn their life around through meaningful employment, but also for all the dedicated staff supporting those who just want a second chance.

Wadamba has been recognised by the Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support - Enver Erdogen - at a Victorian Parliament sitting two weeks ago for addressing Aboriginal over-representation in the justice system.

“The Wadamba Prison to Work Program supports Aboriginal people on remand to find employment and/or education post release. In the last quarter Wadamba has supported 33 new participants preparing for release and another 20 in our community corrections services to find work. Wadamba works with employees and training organisations to develop skills, provide real work experience and match people leaving custody with available jobs.
Some examples - A young woman on remand was supported into employment with a regional water authority and also given the opportunity to undertake Certificate III in Business Administration. A young man in the Wadamba program was able to get a job with Lendlease’s Indigenous traineeship program. He is now working in our Government’s $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital.
We are doing what matters” - MP Enver Erdogan.

Great recognition for how far we have come, but we will not rest as there is still so much work to be done.

Big shout out to Marlion Pickett for tagging along with Andy to speak with some of the fellas inside.

Marlion's journey is an all to relevant example of what people are capable of achieving if given a second chance.

Big thanks to Barwon Traffic Management for giving one of our participants a shot.

Wadamba Engagement Worker, Andy Vella, summed up today's great news pretty well:
"Self determination is key to life, age is just a number, if you want to change your life, this brotherboy is living proof that it can be done"

Wadamba - Aboriginal Prison to Work Program

Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services are delivering a program in partnership with Corrections Victoria called the Wadamba Prison to Work Program. The Wadamba program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women aged 18-35 (who are on remand and short-term sentences) transition from prison into meaningful employment.

Our engagement workers connect with suitable participants prior to their release from Melbourne Remand Centre, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Marngoneet Correctional Centre. We consult with participants in prison to identify their ideal career path and recognising challenges and barriers. Our engagement workers will also provide assistance such as resume building and suggesting relevant short courses and qualifications required prior to employment.

Once participants are released support continues from Wadamba staff to ensure a successful transition to sustainable employment. We will link in with Aboriginal Community organisations, Government Services, Employment Service Providers and any other relevant services with the hope of improving employment outcomes for Wadamba participants.

We are always happy to meet with interested Employers and Service Providers to provide opportunities and support for suitable candidates. We also have funds available to support a 12-month traineeship or the first year of an apprenticeship.

If you would like to arrange a meeting or gain further information feel free to contact Brady Jones (Employment Broker) at [email protected] or Ricky Kildea (Program Manager) at [email protected]