NPA reaps rewards of RJED roles

Support services are soaring in communities at the very tip of Far North Queensland thanks in part to the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.

While we had already been steadily growing our team to support clients with NDIS support plans in Bamaga, Injinoo, Umagico, New Mapoon and Seisia, the unique way we have structured our RJED funded roles is standing out as an innovative way to help the program create even greater impact.

Through significant investment in the region, we had already grown the team to almost ten support workers, assisting nine clients in the remote communities of the Northern Peninsula area (NPA).

A successful RJED application has allowed us to boost supports in the region again, employing not only full time, local Team Leader, Sharon Manas to oversee this growing workforce but also three part-time entry-level support worker roles to further grow our capacity.

Inagie Manas is one of the three new Support Workers employed through the RJED funding. Here she helps Raymond with an art activity.

However, it’s the unique way we designed these three funded roles that is setting them apart in the program. RJED funding provides for distinct new jobs in remote communities, but EMGIS have taken it a step further and structured their roles to develop an ongoing pipeline of opportunities.

The three funded roles for entry-level support workers are currently filled by local people invested in growing careers in the support industry. After completing initial training and gaining suitable experience, the intention is to offer these individuals permanent, ongoing roles with EMGIS and transition three new entry-level staff into the RJED funded roles. This will allow the support workforce in the NPA to continue to grow as new clients seek support and for the funding to reach far beyond the initial scope of just the three new roles.

Sharon said the roles were already making a huge difference in the region and that the communities are benefiting from the new levels of support available.

“Our region has had a huge shortage of supports available, but a real need for them” she said.

“We are already offering our three new staff extra shifts beyond their RJED funded hours, and they are loving the extra experience and earnings. As well as experiencing the reward of seeing successful outcomes for clients.

Timacoy Tabuai is also enjoying his new role, supporting Jacko at a recent medical appointment.

“There are so many people here who need our supports and haven’t been able to get them, it’s obvious that if we can keep growing our team, we can support more people in our communities.

“I’m so proud to be leading this team, helping our people, and providing culturally grounded supports where people most need them, right here in the NPA.”

Our Senior Program Coordinator Cheryl Archer agreed that the extra growth was just what was needed and that the new roles would create a lasting impact in the region.

"Not only do they support the region and its people,  but these community-based leadership and support roles also generate sustainable income and build capacity that remains within the community.

"I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow our team and expand the supports we deliver across the NPA throughout the remaining years of the RJED grant and into the future.”

Remote Jobs and Economic Development funding is a grant-based initiative of the Australian Federal Government and administered by the National Australian Indigenous Agency. It aims to create 6000 new jobs in remote communities by 2030.