NELSON BAY SCONE BOURKE - Joblink Plus

community link
HUNTER - NORTH WEST - NEW ENGLAND - WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES APRIL 2012
SCONE
Answering the call for
qualified aged care workers
BOURKE
Community Donations helps
build a fresh food kitchen
NELSON BAY
Unique business booms
for former job seeker

2 community link April 2012
Our Vision
To be the leader in achieving excellence in serving our
community.
Our Mission
Joblink Plus provides professional assistance in
delivering a range of programs which target and address
the needs of specific groups within our community.
Our programs delivery stronger levels of participation
through improving employment outcomes, enhancing
educational opportunities and ensuring equity of
access for all.
Training
Driver Training
Job Services Australia
Youth Connections
Indigenous Employment Program
www.joblinkplus.com.au

On March 19, this year, the Prime Minister released the Skills Reform package for the
national vocational education and training system to address skills shortages across
the economy.
Of particular interest was the section pertaining to better support for disadvantaged
Australians.
The paper covers what those who are at the coalface already know - an improvement
in one’s skills greatly improve their chance of getting a job, and that those who are
most disadvantaged are disadvantaged further by not having minimum qualifications.
As an example, across the Gunnedah, Tamworth and the Liverpool Plains, the Australian
Bureau of Statistics indicates that one in four Indigenous Australians of working age
is unemployed, one in three has not completed Year 10 and only 14 per cent have
completed Year 12.
Compare this with the NSW percentage of non-Indigenous Australians who have completed Year 12 (47 per cent) and
what is evident is alarming disparity.
Especially when you consider these regions offer solid employment prospects. And this is only one example, there are
many more across all groups, in all regions, where the level of opportunity needs to be increased.
The paper calls for strategies to better support disadvantaged students to enrol in training courses and complete their
studies, including:
• Partnerships between training providers and business, such as work with local employers to link disadvantaged
students to workforce employment and participation plans;
• Joined-up training, such as linking skills courses with language and literacy training;
• Specialist staff resources and support programs for students; and
• Improved staff development and teaching resources for working with designated groups of students.
I am proud to say that these principles have always been core components of Joblink Plus’ Training programs and
initiatives.
The intent of the establishment of our Training enterprise was to deliver tailored training to disadvantaged members of
the community who are long-term unemployed and don’t have the education or skills to complete mainstream training
and/or education.
The complex causational linkages between non-vocational and vocational barriers is why we deliver learning that is
reflective of the personal circumstances that our students face which is impacting on their ability to gain employment
and become socially reconnected and economically independent.
Our trainers utilise a whole-of-life approach, directly assisting each student and assisting them to overcome not only
learning barriers, but by also acting as a mentor and support, offering advocacy to address any issues that impact on
their ability to attend classes.
We also work in partnership with business to ensure that the type of training builds skill that is relevant and transferrable
to the workplace.
This is critical to ensure that a student’s learning pathway is just that, a pathway to greater employment opportunity
and not training for trainings sake.
Of note is our collaboration with Woolworths, whereby together we designed a tailored training program that not only
met their recruitment requirements, but enabled the participants to develop the skills and confidence to move into
work. This particular program has grown exponentially since piloting in 2011, and covers Woolworths and Big W across
22 locations state-wide.
Joblink Plus is always searching for new opportunities to increase the skills of our local people, and is committed to
community and business collaboration to meets the unique demands of our labour markets.
It’s why our training delivery places equal importance on educational, economic and social outcomes.
Enjoy the read,
Chris Sheppeard
Message from the CEO
community link April 2012 3

ABOVE: HSBC Waratahs Benn Robinson, Cliff Palu, Chris Alcock and
Atieli Pakalani signed backpacks and chatted with YC participants
(back centre) Matt Law, (centre) Jye Bateman, TJ Trindall,
Rhys Bateman, (front) Luke Donnelly and Jaccob Trudgett.
A
group of 14 boys who are part of the Joblink Plus
Youth Connections (YC) program had the chance
to meet some of their sporting heroes when the
HSBC Waratahs took to Scully Park for a training session
back in February.
The session was organised by Joblink Plus YC Consultant
Brittany Cain and Tamworth Regional Council Project
Officer Lindsay Burrows.
13-year-old Jye Bateman was thrilled to receive a Waratahs
backpack and have it signed by the players.
“I used to watch rugby all the time with my uncle and I
really want to start playing soon.
“The guys were all really big and fit so it was awesome to
meet them,’ he said.
Youth Connections provides young people with flexible
and individualised assistance to improve their education,
life skills and personal development.
Ms Cain said meeting the players personally and going to
the game was an inspiring experience for the group.
“It motivated a lot of the boys who are already involved in
football.” she said.
“Watching them train and by just talking with the players,
the boys could see where dedication can take you in life.
They certainly had plenty of questions to ask after the
4 community link April 2012
session.”
Meet the
HSBC
Waratahs
“The Waratahs were so friendly and helped get the group
engaged outside the classroom, which is what Youth
Connections is all about,” Ms Cain said.
After meeting the players in person at the training session,
the group had the chance to watch their sporting idols on
the field against Samoa.
Who can refer to the
Youth Connections program?
Referrals can come from anyone
including:
- family members or friends;
- education and training providers;
- schools;
- community organisations;
- Centrelink; and
- young people themselves.

Narromine job seekers
ignite a passion for
agriculture
Six Narromine job seekers have their hearts and
sights set on full time employment in the agricultural
industry as they near completion of a Certificate II
in Agriculture.
Five months ago Joblink Plus Narromine encouraged the
job seekers to give the course run by the Western College
a go.
With only one month left til they graduate, Joblink Plus
Narromine consultant Kate Davey said the group are now
itching to move into employment.
“The group of women and men range in age from 21-59
and have come a long way since beginning their studies.
They have completed theory which taught them all about
insects, pests, fungi, plant diseases, various crops and
micro irrigation,” Kate said.
“Throughout the course they have been doing work
experience which involves all the aspects of farming,
cropping of corn, cotton and wheat, water testing,
chemical applications, harvesting, animal husbandry,
sales and marketing of products and weather conditions,”
she said.
The full time course will see the participants graduate
with qualifications and knowledge that can lead them
into employment with several companies operating in
and around Narromine.
Some of the participants also picked up seasonal work to
fit in around the Certificate II Agriculture.
“For some of these people who have been unemployed
for some time they are seeing now the work options
available once they have their qualifications and they
really just can’t wait to get out there into the work force,”
Kate said.
“They are really enjoying the hands on factor and because
of that their attendance is excellent.”
Mother of four and grandmother of four Karen Coffee
took on the course because she had seasonal work and
hands on experience in various areas of agriculture
around Narromine and Dubbo but never had formal
LEARNING: Certificate II in Agriculture student Karen Coffee
shows her Joblink Plus consultant Kate Davey some of what
she has learnt.
qualifications or certificate training.
After learning about different soil types and working hard
corn and canola rouging Karen is now looking forward to
getting employment in the agricultural industry.
“The support from Kate at Joblink Plus and the course
trainer have made this possible for me. It has made me
feel more prepared to apply for different jobs I might not
have considered before and given me confidence to use
what I have learnt throughout the course,” Karen said.
The success of the Certificate II in Agriculture course
means it will have a strong future in Narromine with
another course already been organised for a group of job
seekers in Narromine and Trangie.
Check out these stories
and more at
www.joblinkplus.com.au
community link April 2012 5

2012
Tamworth Regional
WEDNESDAY, 16TH MAY
With over 2,500 senior schools students from the
New England and North West Region coming to the Expo
gathering information to make their next move, the 2012
Career Expo is a fantastic opportunity to show the benefits
of your organisation.
Its FREE to Exhibit
Join over 110 exhibitors
Interactive displays
Demonstrations
6 theLink April 2012
WEDNESDAY, 16TH MAY
Career Expo
TAMWORTH REGIONAL
ENTERTAINMENT AND
CONFERENCE CENTRE (TRECC)
FROM 9.30AM
www.tamworthcareerexpo.com.au

Exhibitor Benefits
WEDNESDAY, 16TH MAY
“It’s one of the best and most diverse
Career Expos in the State”
Dr William Borges - Principal St Andrews College,
University of Sydney
Showcase your organisation to over 2,500 local
students and parents.
Promote employment opportunities directly to
interested candidates.
Distribute information about available training
courses and other resources.
Address skill shortages in your industry.
Benefit from an extensive advertising and public
relations campaign.
Support career development of young people in the
New England and North West Region
The event is held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) and is completely
indoors.
The Tamworth Regional Career Expo attracts exhibitors from throughout NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
Exhibitors include:
Employers
Group Training Companies
Apprenticeship Centres
Universities
TAFE Colleges
Registered Training Providers
Career Services
Youth Support Services
Visitors include:
Year 10, 11 and 12 students from schools across the
New England and North West region.
Members from educational sectors.
General public with an interest in exploring
Career, Education and Training options.
If you would like to be an exhibitor or just need more information, please contact Judy McDonell
or Trudy Davis on 02 6764 6666 or mobile 0488 297 658, or register online at www.joblinkplus.com.au
Proudly bought to you by Joblink Plus and the Rotary Club of Tamworth First Light
www.tamworthcareerexpo.com.au
theLink April 2012 7

SCONE
GRADUATING
Front: (L-R) Sharon Stair,
Amelia Glew, Amber
Gorton, Tammy Beveridge.
Middle:
Veronica Patterson
(QVE Trainer) Fiona
Thompson, Ruth Gillett,
Karen Carter,
Lisa Carey, Sarah Keats
(Joblink Plus Recruitment
Consultant)
Back:
Janelle Birch
(Director of Care),
Matthew Downie
(Strathearn Village CEO),
Deborah Duke,
(Strathearn Village Care
Manager) and Siobhan
Leonard (Strathearn
Village HR
Manager).
Meeting the demand for qualified aged care workers
A
partnership between Joblink
Plus and Strathearn Village
Aged Care Facility has opened
the door for eight job seekers to
develop skills and find a career in
aged care.
Eight job seekers recently graduated
from a partial qualification Certificate
III in Aged Care.
The five week course included three
days a week theory and one day
practical at Strathearn Village Aged
Care Facility.
Joblink Plus Scone Recruitment
Consultant Sarah Keats said the
partnership between Joblink Plus
and the Strathearn facility was
formed after discussions revealed
Scone would experience a shortage
of qualified aged care workers in the
near future.
“I met with Siobhan Leonard the
HR manager to get an insight into
their facility and their upcoming
8 community link April 2012
development. The projection was
that current staffing at Strathearn
would significantly increase over time
with the new development, creating
a much higher demand for qualified
aged carers in Scone,” Sarah said.
After graduating from the course, a
large percentage of the students are
now progressing on to a Certificate III
in Aged Care Traineeship at Stratheran
Village.
Graduates also have the opportunity
to move into further training and
employment with other aged care
providers in the community as well as
disability services.
“The success of the course means it
will be run again in the near future.
Strathearn Village and Joblink Plus see
this partnership as an opportunity to
offer local people the chance to start
or make a career change into aged
care. New skills are greatly needed in
this area,” Sarah said.
After raising children, course
participants Sharon and Karen were
looking for a way to re-enter the
workforce and gain skills they could
use in new and exciting careers.
“This course has been excellent.
Veronica and Susan are great Trainers
and have made everything easy to
understand. Thursdays were our
practical days at Strathearn and the
staff were excellent. It was good to
have hands on experience. Working
with the residents was wonderful,”
Sharon said.
“I found the training to be great and
the trainer excellent. I felt everyone
was very understanding when asking
questions,” Karen said.
Both graduates are now hoping
to move into further training and
employment with Strathearn Village
Aged Care.

A different style of
learning
Language, Literacy and
Numeracy Program takes a
non-traditional approach
Samara Lewin’s dream is to confidently read to her
two-year-old daughter.
She wants to be able to pass on a skill that will
help her daughter throughout her life.
The 20-year-old is one of the 300,000 plus Australians
aged between 15 and 24 who have limited language,
literacy and numeracy skills.
Joblink Plus, in partnership with the New England
Institute of TAFE and the Australian Government’s
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program, is
attempting to re-design the learning environment
and increase the skill levels of young people who have
previously found learning difficult and may have left
school early as a result.
Sonia McDonald from Joblink Plus is a mentor for the
program’s participants and believes the approach to
remove the traditional classroom structure will inspire
and produce improved results.
“These young people have limited literacy and numeracy
skills. This is the first step in order to improve those
skills and proceed onto further education, training or
employment,” Sonia said.
“It’s about attempting something out-of-the-box to
inspire and ignite a passion for learning.”
Samara’s enthusiasm is testament to this innovative
approach.
“I got my grade 10 certificate but I needed to build my
skills more so it’s easier for me to get work and finish my
Certificate III in Community Services,” Samara said.
“But mostly I want to be able to sit and read books with
my daughter, to start her on the right path. But first I
need to build my reading, writing and numeracy skills,”
she said.
The pilot program includes the Language Literacy and
Numeracy Program (LLNP) wrapped around the delivery
of Skill for Work and Training Certificate II and Certificate
I in Hospitality.
CHANGING LIVES
GROUP WORK: Samara Lewin enjoys some chocolate during
a group game encouraging communication between students.
Samara is pictured with Joblink Plus mentors Sonia McDonald
and Athol Munro.
The program also includes reward days for sporting
activities or excursions.
“When I was at school the only thing I liked was art. Going
to TAFE and the Joblink Plus rooms is heaps more relaxed
than school and I think that’s why I’m really enjoying it.”
“I’ve been able to make a few posters and in one class
we did magazine cut outs on posters for our dreams and
future so I really liked that,” Samara said.
Mrs McDonald said that a major component of the
program is the aim to build self-esteem.
“Unstructured team activities and communication
amongst the group plays a big part in that,” she said.
The pilot program will continue throughout the TAFE year
and if successful it is hoped it can be replicated in other
areas across the state.
This project is funded by the Australian Government
under the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of the
Department.
community link April 2012 9

COMMUNITY DONATIONS
Inverell Men’s Shed get the tools of the trade
Photo courtesy The Inverell Times
MEN’S SHED: Joblink Plus Inverell manager Ros Orchard checks out the
new tools with Men’s Shed Secretary Ray Boon.
Members of the Inverell Community
Men’s Shed are making the most of a
new planer, sanding machine and drill
set they purchased after receiving funds through
the Joblink Plus Community Donations Program.
The new equipment is making it easier for the notfor-profit
organisation to complete woodwork
jobs the Inverell community is requesting.
Men’s Shed secretary Ray Boon said the group
was lucky enough to receive its second donation
through the Joblink Plus program and said it
would go a long way to helping the wider Inverell
community.
“We received our first donation through the
Joblink Plus Community Donations Program
about two or three years ago which allowed us
to buy a printer/photocopier. This time around
we put the money to a planer, sanding machine
and a set of rechargeable drills,” Ray said.
“The shed is getting busier and busier. We have a
lot of requests coming in and there is constantly
a project on the go so this new equipment will
really help us get the jobs done,” he said.
Narromine Youth Lounge nears completion
As the Narromine Youth Lounge and Homework
Centre nears completion, already the facility is
being enjoyed by people of all ages.
The centre is run by volunteers from the Blue Cross Church
and has undergone major renovations after receiving
support from the Joblink Plus Community Donations
Program.
Ben Staines is a volunteer at the centre and has coordinated
the renovations which involved re flooring, refurnishing,
painting, tiling, electrical work and fit out.
“We are probably 80 per cent complete. With everything
that was involved in creating the perfect centre there is no
way we could have done it without the support from the
Joblink Plus Community Donations Program,” Ben said.
“We have installed multi-media equipment and have a
few desks and chairs here and there. Once it all comes
together it will be an ideal space for youths to come after
school,” he said.
The space is currently being used for adult education
classes and includes a coffee shop under the same roof.
“The next step is to fill the shelves with books and have
10 community link April 2012
older students come down after school and help younger
students with their literacy,” Ben said.
“The Blue Cross Church is a community based church that
just wants to help the community and raise standards.
Once finished, the youth lounge and homework centre
will go along way to improving literacy and numeracy and
provide youths with a place to come and hang out,” Ben
said.
Local tradesmen also helped get the project off the
ground by providing their services free of charge during
the construction stage.
Joblink Plus Chairman John Treloar said Joblink Plus was
proud to support the development of the youth lounge
and homework centre as the organisation understands
the importance of literacy in young children.
“It is often difficult for rural communities to gain the
resources they need to get a facility such as this one
up and running. Joblink Plus recognises the significant
role the centre will play in developing literacy skills in
Narromine children,” Mr Treloar said.

Hospitality students
serve up a three
course feast
The Joblink Plus Community Training
Centre became a working restaurant
for one day only as Certificate II
Hospitality students served a three course
fine dining meal to Joblink Plus staff.
Student Hayley Walker went over the menu
during prep on the big day.
“First course will be dipping bread with
three different types of dip including pesto,
hummus and basil. Second course is a Caesar
salad and third course is apple crumble and
a chocolate mousse. We will be having two
sittings and there will be an opportunity for
diners to provide feedback,” Hayley said.
The aim of the exercise was to provide
students with a real life scenario where they
could put their training into practice.
“I was bored at home all the time
and I would really like to get a job
in hospitality.”
The students received feedback and
comments at the end of service, helping
them to improve for their final assessment.
As Trainer Leesa Mercer watched over
the students sterilising knives and forks,
whisking eggs and toasting croutons she
said in only a few short weeks the students
skills had improved 110 per cent.
“They are getting really motivated and very
confident with what they are doing. Many
of the students have already gone for job
interviews and handed their resume around
to catering companies,” Leesa said.
The course includes RSA, RCG, safe food
handling, food supervisor, first aid, OH&S,
social diversity, customer service and a lot
of practical experience preparing food.
19-year-old Terri Lamb says she enrolled in
the course because she was sick of sitting at
home.
“I was bored at home all the time and I
would really like to get a job in hospitality. So
far we have been doing something different
every day.”
“I’m nervous about serving in our restaurant
today but I think we will all be proud when
it’s over,” Terri said.
RIGHT: Hayley Walker
prepares croutons for
the second course,
caesar salad.
TRAINING
LEFT: Terri
Lamb prepares
crumble for
third course.
The hospitality
students paid
particular attention to
sterilising and shining
the cutlery before
setting the tables.
community link April 2012 11

READY FOR RETAIL
Retail course rolled out across the Hunter
SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Amy Debono, Rebecca Auld, Courtney Eckford, Elizabeth Walker, Mikaela Howard, Deborah Lucas,
Emma Hickey, Jessica Bright, Tamara Picton, Matthew Harris, Tina Wheatley and Patrick McGeown – Trainer.
Across the Hunter job seekers are graduating from
the Ready for Retail course with some progressing
straight into employment with Big W and
Woolworths.
The partnership between Joblink Plus, Woolworths and
Big W has continued to grow with more job seekers
signing up to the course that equips them with skills and
workplace experience to gain entry into the retail industry.
In the last month the course, which includes six days of
work placement in either Woolworths or Big W, has been
delivered in Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland, Muswellbrook,
Green Hills, Raymond Terrace and Jesmond.
Joblink Plus Singleton and Maitland manager Tina Dye
Are you looking for quality short courses and training ?
Joblink Plus is a registered Training Organisation providing quality training solutions. All of our programs are nationally
recognised and designed to provide the best learning outcome possible. Our courses will equip you with the skills you need
to join the workforce and launch a successful career.
We offer courses in the following areas
Business and Management
Retail and Hospitality
Community and Disability Services and even Traineeships.
For more information on how we can help you or your business with quality training solutions,
contact us at Joblink Plus Training Newcastle or the Hunter on (02) 4033 4171.
For all other areas call (02) 6764 6858 or email training@joblinkplus.com.au
12 community link April 2012
said the course had proved very successful with eight
people graduating from the course in Singleton and 11 in
Maitland.
“The course provided an opportunity for job seekers to
build their confidence and work readiness in the hope of
gaining employment with Big W or other retail employers.
“The formal training component of Ready for Retail is
specifically targeted at providing the skills that Big W or
Woolworths require in filling available positions.
“The partnership between Joblink Plus and Big W worked
really well in other areas so we decided to offer the
training in Singleton and Maitland as well,” Tina said.

Popcake business booms in
Nelson Bay
Single mother of two Judy Hagan has found a fun and
exciting career path that allows her to balance working life
with raising her two sons, and she says she couldn’t have
done it without her Joblink Plus consultant Karen McTaggart.
IPopcake is the unique and creative cake business recently
developed by Judy and has taken off beyond all her expectations.
Judy originally met with Joblink Plus Nelson Bay consultant Karen,
with the intention of looking into casual cleaning positions.
However after discussing Judy’s interest in making popcakes, a
small, round ball of cake, coated in icing, decorated and placed
on a stick, Karen suggested Judy pursue the hobby as a potential
business opportunity.
“Joblink Plus made up flyers for the popcakes so I could do a
letterbox drop in the area. It was so professional. It looked great
and I believe around 70% of my business has come from those
flyers, or word of mouth generated from those original flyers,”
Judy said.
IPopcake now caters for weddings, birthdays and christenings
and has proved so successful Judy now conducts a popcake
making class at the Hunter Community College.
“I never pictured myself as a teacher, but I have had positive
feedback,” Judy laughed.
“My next step is to develop a website. I recently purchased a
rolling machine from the US which sped up the process and has
given me more confidence,” she said.
Judy feels she has now entered a new stage in her life and career
and credits Joblink Plus and particularly Karen, her consultant,
with providing the right tools to get her on track.
“It was hard for me to take such a huge step on my own so to have
the support of someone like Karen really gave me the confidence
I needed to do it.”
TESTIMONIAL
Dear Laura, Mel and the staff at Joblink Plus Maitland,
IPOPCAKE: Joblink Plus Nelson Bay Consultant Karen
McTaggart accepts a bouquet of popcakes as a thank you gift
from IPopcake owner Judy Hagan.
Maitland
Just a quick note to thank you all for being so lovely during quite a challenging transition time
for me. You should know that you do a really great job at making people see that starting again
isn’t impossible and that there’s no shame in asking for help.
I never once felt uncomfortable or ‘stupid’ , I only ever felt supported and listened to. I am very
grateful for the amount of help you provided.
Having been out of the workforce for 8 years, it was a little daunting to take the steps towards
making re entry possible. You should all be commended for your professional and friendly
manner. I wish all the staff a happy and healthy 2012 and will happily recommend your service
to others in my situation.
Kind regards,
Michelle Redcliffe
JOB SEEKER SUCCESS
community link April 2012 13

SUPPORT
CONTRIBUTING: Joblink Plus staff Kellie Ryan, Libby Ryman and Maureen McAlister donate a few dollars each week to
help keep the Westpac Rescue Helicopter operating. They are pictured with special projects coordinator for the service
Barry Walton.
Employees from Joblink Plus are
doing their bit to ensure the
Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Service can continue its lifesaving
work.
A large group of Joblink Plus
employees in the New England North
West and Hunter are involved in the
payroll deduction program which
contributes a monthly donation to
the service.
Joblink Plus CEO, Chris Sheppeard,
said as a community organisation
it was natural that they support the
work of the service.
“Having a service like this, especially
in the more geographically sparse
regions, is vital,” Mr Sheppeard said.
“Talk to our staff and I can guarantee
that they’ll be able to tell you
someone they know who has been
the recipient of the service,” he said.
“The least we can do is support its
permanence in the region in any way
we can.”
Maureen McAlister from the Joblink
Plus Tamworth branch has been
making a payroll deduction for around
eight years and says she has seen first
hand the value of the service.
14 community link April 2012
Flying high
“Being a city girl and moving here 22
years ago it was a bit of a shock not
having a lot of things here that you
take for granted in the city.
“I personally know of two young ones
who both had horse accidents and
were in pretty bad condition with
major head and internal injuries and
if the helicopter wasn’t here I don’t
think they would be either. Both were
flown to John Hunter and received
vital treatment they required and
made full recoveries to enjoy life.
They are both in their 20’s now” she
said.
“As the grandmother of five gorgeous
grandchildren I definitely want to
keep the service operating,” Maureen
said.
Special projects coordinator for the
service Barry Walton said support
from businesses and employees like
those at Joblink Plus ensures no one
will ever pay for the service.
“The payroll deduction is a
convenient way for people to make a
tax-deductible donation.
“As a contributor to the Payroll
Deduction Program you know that
you are helping to support vital
services; ensuring a small baby
reaches urgent specialist attention;
or rescuing a person when they’ve
been lost in the bush or at sea,” Barry
said.
The payroll deduction program is just
one way Joblink Plus supports the
service.
For the past 10 years Joblink Plus
has been a logo sponsor of the
New England North West’s BK117
and recently the Tamworth Work
Experience crew helped beautify the
Service’s gardens at the Tamworth
Airport Base.
WORK EXPERIENCE: The Tamworth
based work experience crew worked
hard to improve the landscaping at
the New England North West base.

Fresh food kitchen encourages students’ healthy habits
Saint Ignatius Parish School
students are learning the
benefits of healthy and
creative eating as they pick fresh
fruit and vegetables from their
school garden to prepare meals
in their recently installed kitchen.
Last year the school received
funding through the Joblink Plus
Community Donations Program
to purchase a fridge, stove,
microwave and flat pack kitchen
to promote healthy eating among
the students.
St Ignatius Principal Therese
Clancy said the idea was
conceived about two years ago
when teachers and students
planted 40-50 fruits trees and a
range of vegetables in the school
grounds.
Childhood obesity is a growing
concern is Australia, with studies
showing that once a child is
overweight or obese it is unlikely
that they will spontaneously
revert to a healthy weight,
predisposing them to future
health concerns such as Type 2
Diabetes.
This proactive program attempts
to educate children about
healthy eating habits in a fun
environment.
“With the generous donation
from Joblink Plus and a lot of
assistance from the Outback
Division of General Practice we
were able to finish the whole
project off with the kitchen and
great appliances,” Therese said.
“The students have mulberry
trees, lemons, limes, plums,
quinces and a whole heap of
vegetables.
Now they are really enjoying
being able to get in the kitchen
and get creative with cooking.
The next step is to get parents
to come in and get involved with
cooking in the kitchen with the
students,” she said.
DONATION: St Ignatius Parish
School students Allan Kelly and
Decklan Orcher show off their
flourishing garden.
The school canteen also
supports the student’s garden by
incorporating the seasonal fruit
and vegetables into the menu.
Joblink Plus Chairman John
Treloar said what the St Ignatius
students were doing was setting
a great example for other schools
and community groups.
“Joblink Plus is proud to support
children growing and preparing
fresh food at school. The teachers,
students, parents and wider
Bourke community should be
very pleased with their efforts to
get this project up and running,”
Mr Treloar said.
Students are now getting creative
in the kitchen, preparing and
tasting new and interesting foods.
Tamworth Sports Dome
STARTS Saturday, May 5
7.30PM - MIDNIGHT
FREE REGISTRATION!!
DINNER AND UNIFORMS PROVIDED
AND WE BUS YOU HOME
IF YOU’RE 12 TO 18 YEARS, REGISTER NOW!
Register Online: www.midnightbasketball.org.au/[Location]
Or contact: Marg Hombsch, 67646666
tamworth@midnightbasketball.org.au
Funded by the Australian Government
Proudly supported by:
INSERT OTHER SUPPORTER NAMES HERE
BOURKE
community link April 2012 15

Armidale
(02) 6738 7800
Armidale@joblinkplus.com.au
Bourke
(02) 6870 8200
bourke@joblinkplus.com.au
Brewarrina
(02) 6839 2757
Brewarrina@joblinkplus.com.au
Cessnock
(02) 4993 6100
Cessnock@joblinkplus.com.au
Charlestown
(02) 4918 4000
Charlestown@joblinkplus.com.au
Cobar
(02) 6836 7000
cobar@joblinkplus.com.au
Coonabarabran
(02) 6842 3200
Coonabarabran@joblinkplus.com.au
Coonamble
(02) 6822 5642
Coonamble@joblinkplus.com.au
Dubbo
(02) 6841 6300
dubbo@joblinkplus.com.au
Gilgandra
(02) 6847 0644
Gilgandra@joblinkplus.com.au
Glen Innes
(02) 6732 2455
gleninnes@joblinkplus.com.au
Gunnedah
(02) 6748 4300
Gunnedah@joblinkplus.com.au
Inverell
(02) 6721 6200
Inverell@joblinkplus.com.au
Kurri Kurri
(02) 4015 6000
kurrikurri@joblinkplus.com.au
Lightning Ridge
(02) 6829 4677
lightningridge@joblinkplus.com.au
Maitland
(02) 4937 8000
maitland@joblinkplus.com.au
Mayfield
(02) 4028 2100
Mayfield@joblinkplus.com.au
Moree
(02) 6759 1100
moree@joblinkplus.com.au
Muswellbrook
(02) 6541 8100
Muswellbrook@joblinkplus.com.au
Narrabri
(02) 6792 9200
Narrabri@joblinkplus.com.au
Narromine
(02) 6889 1264
Narromine@joblinkplus.com.au
Nelson Bay
(02) 4916 2000
nelsonbay@joblinkplus.com.au
Newcastle
(02) 4033 4100
Newcastle@joblinkplus.com.au
Nyngan
(02) 6832 2405
Nyngan@joblinkplus.com.au
Quirindi
(02) 6746 1630
Quirindi@joblinkplus.com.au
Raymond Terrace
(02) 4983 3000
raymondterrace@joblinkplus.com.au
Scone
(02) 6545 3295
scone@joblinkplus.com.au
Singleton
(02) 6575 5100
singleton@joblinkplus.com.au
Tamworth
(02) 6764 6666
tamworth@joblinkplus.com.au
Tenterfield
(02) 6736 2511
Tenterfield@joblinkplus.com.au
Toronto
(02) 4028 7700
Toronto@joblinkplus.com.au
Uralla
(02) 6778 3048
Uralla@joblinkplus.com.au
Walcha
(02) 6777 2208
Walcha@joblinkplus.com.au
Walgett
(02) 6828 2511
Walgett@joblinkplus.com.au
Wallsend
(02) 4028 4400
wallsend@joblinkplus.com.au
Warren
(02) 6847 3977
warren@joblinkplus.com.au
Wellington
(02) 6845 2844
wellington@joblinkplus.com.au
Joblink Plus Head Office
(02) 6764 6634
www.joblinkplus.com.au 10