Aboriginal winemakers

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Queensland College of Wine Tourism Indigenous Employment Program

Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness
Minister for Sport
Senator Claire Moore
Senator for Queensland
24 May, 2011
Joint Media Release
10 new Indigenous winemakers in Queensland

Ten Indigenous Australians will commence a winemaking course in Stanthorpe following the success of the 2010 Queensland College of Wine Tourism Indigenous Employment Program.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib and Senator for Queensland Claire Moore today said they were pleased the project was continuing and congratulated the programs past participants on their success.

“The 2010 program produced outstanding results for the participants, six have started full time work and one is attending university,” Senator Arbib said.

“The 2011 program will see 10 Indigenous Australians complete a Certificate II in Food Processing (Wine) where they will work with the local wine industry and a dedicated project mentor.

“In addition to working in the local industry the participants will also have the opportunity to tour interstate wineries to further develop their skills.”

Senator Moore said the project was a great example of a successful collaboration between private industry and the Government.

“The Queensland wine industry has set a great example for Australian businesses. With the support of the Gillard Government they have provided long term job opportunities for Indigenous Australians,” Senator Moore said.

“Closing the gap on Indigenous employment cannot be the sole responsibility of the Federal Government. With the support of State and Territory Governments and the private sector we will continue to provide job opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

Senator Arbib said Treasury predicted 500 000 jobs would be created over the next two years and it was critical that Indigenous Australians had the support and training they needed to take up employment.

“Indigenous employment is not a short term issue, over the next four years the Government has also committed almost $650 million to the Indigenous Employment Program,” Senator Arbib said.

“This is part of the Gillard Government’s target to create more than 100 000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.”