Across the Western Tablelands, TRACQS participants are moving into real work, earning real wages, and building genuine pathways toward long-term employment. The Community Projects initiative under the new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) is already delivering strong results: 15 participants are currently employed through TRACQS Hosted Activities, three more are about to commence under Community Hosted Employment, and three new Self-Employment Assistance applications have been submitted.

These numbers tell only part of the story. This momentum reflects what happens when employment support is designed around local needs, and when participants are ready to back themselves.

Building on the success of earlier capability-building initiatives, TRACQS has developed three targeted project streams, each responding to what communities in the region actually need.

Community Hosted Employment

This stream connects RAES participants with paid, award-wage roles across hospitality, retail, administration, and support care. Host employers receive wage subsidies and help with pre-employment requirements, while participants gain hands-on experience, accredited training, and day-to-day mentoring. With three new participants about to start, this stream continues to open doors into traineeships, apprenticeships, and ongoing employment.

TRACQS Hosted Activities

With 15 participants currently engaged, this stream has seen outstanding results. Participants are working in structured, work-like activities including custom coffin making, leatherwork, food preparation, and community maintenance across Dimbulah, Chillagoe, Mt Molloy, and Kuranda.

These activities were shaped by community feedback, ensuring the work is meaningful and the skills transferable. Participants are already collaborating on joint projects with local councils and community groups, and with some exciting new projects on the horizon, there’s plenty more to come.

Self-Employment Assistance

For participants who are ready to start or grow their own small business, this stream provides two distinct levels of support:

Level 1 – Pre-Commencement Support

Before launching, participants receive practical help with the essentials: insurance, promotional materials, and equipment – the building blocks needed to get a business off the ground.

Level 2 – Start-Up Support

Once ready to take the next step, participants are connected with specialist organisations including Many Rivers, Indigenous Business Australia, and Workforce Australia to help them grow and sustain their business.

Throughout both stages, participants provide documentation to ensure accountability and capture the real impact of their business journey. With three new applications now submitted, interest in this stream continues to grow.

Looking ahead

Together, these three streams show what’s possible when employment support is community-driven, practical, and focused on real outcomes. Participants are building confidence and capability, and the results across the region are increasingly reflecting that.

TRACQS is proud of the progress made so far, and we’re looking forward to sharing more stories from participants of what our participants and projects are achieving in the months ahead.

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