Rail Trail Corridor Ecosystem Community Connect Project Celebrates Completions
This week marks the successful completion of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Rail Trail Corridor Ecosystem Community Connect project, that supported 24 South Burnett residents to gain skills, confidence and pathways into employment or further training.
Delivered by Golden West Apprenticeships in partnership with South Burnett Regional Council, the project supported two cohorts of 12 trainees over nine months.
The trainees completed a Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management through TAFE South West while undertaking paid, hands-on work across the region.
The project provided unemployed and disadvantaged Queenslanders with paid employment, accredited training and tailored support, while delivering valuable conservation and maintenance outcomes for local community and environmental assets.
Throughout the project, trainees gained experience in weed control, plant propagation, land management, conservation activities, grounds maintenance and environmental restoration at sites including Goodger Wetlands, Burrandowan Road, Allan Stirling Memorial Park, Kingaroy Heights and the South Burnett Rail Trail.
Golden West Apprenticeships CEO, Camille Johnson said the project was a strong example of how place-based training can create meaningful outcomes for both participants and regional communities.
“Programs like this work because they connect training with real purpose,” Ms Johnson said. “The trainees were not only building practical skills in conservation and land management, but they were also contributing to projects that matter locally and seeing the value of their work in the community around them. For many participants, this kind of supported, hands-on experience can be the step that builds confidence, creates routine, and opens the door to further employment or training. We are proud to have worked alongside the Queensland Government, South Burnett Regional Council, TAFE South West and local community partners to deliver a project that has invested in people, place and future opportunity.”
“The trainees have helped Council achieve significantly more work in areas that would otherwise be beyond our capacity. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful work they have done, and I wish them every success in their future endeavours” Mayor Duff said.
The project highlights the value of strong local partnerships in delivering practical training, paid employment and meaningful outcomes for regional communities.
All trainees are congratulated on successfully completing the program and recognised for their commitment and achievements throughout the project.
The successful delivery of the project was supported by the Queensland Government, Golden West Apprenticeships, South Burnett Regional Council, TAFE South West, Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, NPQ Kingaroy & Districts Branch, project supervisors and local community partners.
The skills, confidence and experience gained through this project provide a strong foundation for trainees as they pursue further employment, education and training opportunities.
This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
