CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT

Work seekers jump

THE number of Aurukun residents actively seeking work has jumped by 50 per cent since July 2016. The number of jobseekers placed in employment is also on the up, with 62 people placed in employment between July 1, 2016 and November 30, 2016. The increase in participation rates has been attributed to the “collaborative efforts of the Aurukun community’s public and private agencies”. Cape York Employment spokeswoman Fiona Jose said the community had adapted well to Federal Government policy changes from the Remote Jobs and Communities Program to the Community Development Program (CDP). “Aurukun should be very proud of its participation rates,” Ms Jose said. “In the past six months jobseekers’ attendance rates had improved from a low of around 50 per cent to up to 75 per cent, which is above the national average. We have worked with jobseekers to develop activities and work opportunities that they believe are most beneficial.”

New services director

TORRES Shire Council has announced the appointment of a new engineering and infrastructure services director. The council’s chief executive Dalassa Yorkston said Keith Yorkston was appointed “as a result of an outstanding development program for local employees started by Council in 2010”. “It is also the result of a highly commendable amount of study undertaken by Mr Yorkston since then and his dedication to his work at council,” she said. Mayor Vonda Malone said Mr Yorkston was an “excellent example of how local community members can build a career on Thursday Island”. “I think it is important to acknowledge the insight that the elected members of council showed in 2010 in creating dedicated development pathways and providing ongoing support to local employees.”