The Coalition Government is delivering more than $4.7 million to be shared between five organisations to upskill, build job readiness and provide intensive support to unemployed young people in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay to help them into the workforce.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the funding forms part of the first round of grants provided under the $30 million Jobs Fund and job ready initiative to strengthen local support services in Cashless Debit Card communities.

“The Cashless Debit Card is not the destination, it is a tool that works with support services to help people take control of their own lives, become job ready, get into employment and improve their living standards,” Minister Ruston said.

“Through these grants the Government is delivering on our commitment to provide additional resources to help connect Cashless Debit Card participants and other unemployed community members to employment opportunities and pathways to employment.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition Government was committed to community-driven solutions to break the cycle of welfare dependence.

“I am really pleased with the innovative and unique responses from local community organisations that will help to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and prepare them for employment,” Mr Pitt said.

“These programs will help young people to build confidence and skills to improve their chances of securing a job and some offer intensive support for young people experiencing mental health challenges to navigate the pathway to self-reliance as well as empower men and women to live a drug free life by providing a wrap-around responses for people with addiction.”

The funding forms part of the Cashless Debit Card Support Services open competitive grant opportunity, which closed in October 2021, and is the first stage of the Government’s Jobs Fund and job ready initiative.

The Government will continue to work with communities to provide ongoing assistance to Cashless Debit Card participants, merchants and support services.

Full list of the successful project recipients in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay:

More information about the Cashless Debit Card is available on the Department of Social Services website.