Work For The Dole

Work for the Dole (WFD) is a Commonwealth Government program that provides work experience placements for job seekers in approved activities which provide facilities and services to local communities. The Chamber works as a “Sponsor Organisation” with local Community Work Co-ordinators such as Wesley Employment and H&H Accredited Training to provide projects in our local area. Often projects have further support from organisations such as the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and not-for-profit community groups.
Work for the Dole provides:

• structured activities to improve participants’ employment prospects and vocational skills, and encourage more active and effective participation in the workplace
• activities that involve local communities, and provide value for money to the Australian Government
• work experience to enhance participants’ ability to work as part of a team, take directions from a supervisor, work independently, communicate effectively, and be motivated and dependable, and
• flexible work experience opportunities for mutual obligation and voluntary participants and participants with barriers to employment, to help them re-engage with their community and workplace.

Projects are usually either two or four day per week programs for groups of up to 15 people. Chamber employs a Work Supervisor and where required provides transport with its own mini-bus. Some of the projects carried out in recent years are:

2005 - Hamilton Green
2005 - Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC)
2005 - Middle Rock – Beach Access & Landscaping
2005 - Timbertown Railway Gates & Crossing
2006 - Laurieton RSL War Memorial
2006 - Rainbow Beach/Bonny Hills
2006 – Kooloonbung Nature Park – Pavillion and Shelters
2007 – Timbertown Railway Station - Refurbishment
2007 - Oxley Oval

Click here to view the "Rainbow Beach" & "Timbertown" work for the dole projects

Click here to view the "Middle Rock" & "Laurieton War Memorial" work for the dole projects

Further information on the Work For The Dole program can be obtained at - www.workplace.gov.au/wfd

Regional Certifying Body

Businesses that wish to bring skilled workers from overseas to the mid north coast area may be required to submit their applications to the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce for assessment. Some visa categories provide for workers to seek permanent or temporary entry into Australia. The Chamber is approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to assess the capability of a business to employ and retain the employee for the duration of the specific visa.

Businesses can have their applications assessed by paying a non-refundable fee of $550 (inc GST) to Chamber prior to their application being assessed. The Chamber where appropriate, will certify the employer/business before the application is then lodged with the Department.

Further information can be obtained at - www.immi.gov.au/skills/regional-certifying-bodies.htm