Green Army & Central West Lachlan Landcare Partnership
Green Army & Central West Lachlan Landcare Partnership
Over 18 months, Skillset Environment and Central West Lachlan Landcare partnered to deliver the Green Army Programme in the Parkes and Forbes Shires
Stronger Together -
LLCI007-009
The issue
Youth unemployment and lack of experience is a challenge that faces many rural communities. Due to the obstacles facing these young people, many had not had the opportunity to pursue further studies, and needed an opportunity to show that they could commit to a job, undertake work in a team environment and just simply, gain experience.
After a previous tree planting program was successfully outlaid by Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL), we had landholders and local Council talking about options for planting projects and CWLL needed additional coordinator hours to support future project undertakings.
The solution
Our Coordinator submitted an application for three consecutive Green Army Teams under Round 4, which was successful and in June 2016 we commenced the selection process for our first team, with the aim of providing training and employment for 17 - 14 year-olds, who were keen to learn more about their environment and gain work experience.
The outlay of the Coordinator funding provided complimentary hours to support the Skillset Environment Green Army Teams and supplementary funding was sourced to provide extra resources for the program to be able to deliver large scale plantings and to an opportunity to train and guide these fabulous young people.
The impact
The true value of the outcomes from this program I am fortunate to see every day. Some of them cannot be measured directly in monetary terms, because the program had positive social outcomes that can only be seen when you cross paths with these young people in their roles in the community.
In terms of being able to deliver positive environmental projects in both Parkes and Forbes Shire Council areas, both the LLCI and the Green Army were a match made in heaven.
The program saw planting of up to 15,000 trees, seed collection, training and social outcomes benefiting our communities.
Learnings
The partnership with Skillset Environment and Central West Lachlan Landcare was recognised with the presentation of a Partnership Award at the Skillset Gala Dinner at the end of 2017. Partnerships take commitment and patience.
State and Federal funding can be worked together to achieve positive outcomes.
Key facts
- The Green Army Programme Round 4 and the LLCI aligned perfectly to achieve positive environmental & social outcomes.
- Sometimes all a young person needs is someone to believe in them and give them a chance.