The Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) has achieved record employment and training results for the Ieramagadu/Roebourne community in 2022.
Over 18 Aboriginal people from Roebourne successfully obtained meaningful employment and qualifications through NYFL's Vocational Employment and Training Program this year.
The program is recognised as the most successful Aboriginal-run employment program in the West Pilbara, running a unique model supporting Aboriginal people who live in, or have a strong connection to, Roebourne.
NYFL supports participants in fields such as caring for Country, business administration, hair and beauty, and mental health
Program graduate Brodie Mills gained an apprenticeship in construction with Thomas Building through NYFL.
"I am gaining knowledge and building skills every day, meeting new people and learning how to network with other professionals in the industry. I am hopeful to come out with a trade.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity the NYFL Program has given me, NYFL supported me with the opportunity to complete work in the building industry. They set up a meeting and provided one on one support to me, which I am very grateful for.
"I am passionate about carpentry and working with Thomas Building. I have opportunity in lots of areas. Not just the same job every week."
The program is an innovative, Aboriginal-led approach to breaking down barriers to employment for Roebourne mob.
NYFL places Roebourne people with a host employer of their choice, offering wrap-around support over 18-24 months. At the conclusion, they are employed by the host.
A condition of the program is all participants complete qualifications in their field.
Another program participant, Ngarluma woman Lovina Samson, travelled to Perth for her graduation of a Certificate IV in Mental Health this month.
"It makes me feel empowered to help my community. My commitment is to help the people who struggle with mental health issues," she said.
Ms Samson is now working directly for NYFL as a program officer, supporting new trainees on their employment journey.
NYFL chief executive Officer Sean-Paul Stephens said the success of the program comes down to the determination and commitment of Roebourne people who are taking charge of their future.
"There are so many talented and hard-working people in Roebourne. Our role is to help them realise that potential. The barriers to employment are vast, and if we can support people in overcoming those barriers, there's nothing they can't achieve," he said
One ley element of the NYFL Program is the "Warrgamugardi Yirdiyabura" Pathway, which has been funded since 1998 by the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Project. Woodside is proud to support employment pathways for the Roebourne community.