Gateway to job opportunities
Enthusiasm: Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (centre), with Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku’s Terrence Gibson and Roy Gibson, and enthusiastic supporters from Mossman High State School.
TENNIS great Evonne Goolagong-Cawley has called on local employers to support candidates for jobs at the new eco-tourism Gateway Centre project at Mossman Gorge.
The Wimbledon champion attended a Jobs Expo hosted by indigenous community organisation Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku to explain what people will need to do to get a job when the $16 million centre opens in 12 months’ time.
The major tourist facility is expected to cater to more than 500,000 visitors a year and immediately create more than 40 jobs for local Aboriginal people.
Mossman Gorge community leader Roy Gibson said creating sustainable jobs at the new Gateway Centre was central to its success.
"The Gateway Centre will help us share our culture with everyone and will help us protect our environment," Mr Gibson said.
"It has taken a long time for us to get this Gateway project happening for our people, especially for our young generation.
"It’s going to achieve lots for them in the long-term.
"It’s something they will have forever."
Ms Goolagong-Cawley, a director of the Indigenous Land Corporation which is funding the project, said planning for future employment and recruitment at the Gateway Centre was a hallmark of the project.
"It is all about jobs," Ms Goolagong-Cawley said.
"If it goes according to plan there will be many jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people at the Gateway Centre.
"We need to be ahead of the game and get ready for the jobs now.
"This will be a commercial business from day one and people will need to be ready to cut the mustard.
"Over the next 12 months we must make sure people are trained and ready to go."
She said the task would not be easy and pointed to her own journey.
"When I started my career in tennis I had to leave my culture," she said.
"In the Gateway Centre, Aboriginal people will be able to make their way proudly in the world of work while staying connected to their culture and people."
The ILC has engaged employment service provider ITEC to develop training plans for job candidates.
Those who complete training plans successfully will be guaranteed a job.
Training plans will often involve work experience placements with mainstream businesses in the region.
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