Tiwi employment matters

There are 2000 working-age adults on the Tiwi Islands and only 550 jobs (including seasonal work). This is the challenge for our Employment Services team. While we work with potential applicants, we also depend on local employers to help identify local employment opportunities and find the right staff.

Tiwi Enterprise

In 2021-22, TITEB and Tiwi Enterprise worked together to create jobs for Tiwis and tidy up Wurrumiyanga and making it safer for the community. Tiwi Enterprise secured funding to clean up and mow several yards in town, and TITEB identified teams of men and a team of women to work on the project. The women’s team (pictured) in their bright pink personal protection equipment (PPE) and purple boots inspired other young women to enquire about non-traditional roles.

CatholicCare

The Early Learning Centres in Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi re-opened in June after a long wait and many delays, giving parents the opportunity to return to work and young children the opportunity for some early childhood education. TITEB has been providing referrals to the service for jobseekers with children and assisting CatholicCare with recruitment of local staff into roles.

New CatholicCare staff (pictured) were helped through the process of pre-employment checks and received First Aid training with the TITEB RTO. We continue to maintain regular contact with staff and supervisors as part of our post placement support program.

Mamamta 

TITEB worked together with Mamanta to prepare the Pitjamirra campground to provide space for positive programs on country. The Pirlangimpi CDP team spent several days on country clearing scrub, building a strong fire pit, and providing firewood in preparation for Mamamta’s first camp. We also worked with Mamamta on the RSAS ‘Think about your future’ project and the Tiwi Futures Expo (pictured).

Pictured:

1. Augustine Munkara earned his White Card
2. Childcarers Sarafina Munkara and Anne Francine Puauntulura (and Robert)
3. CDP Employment Consultant, Liz Angell talks to students at the Tiwi Futures Expo
4. Pink Mowing Team L-R: Hayley Kelantumama, Bernadette Puruntatameri, Deanne Dunn, and Nancy Puruntatameri