Sophie’s Story of Career Growth and Cultural Preservation
When Sophie commenced with TRACQS in April 2023, she was ready to take on the world. Despite having no work…
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The maintenance crew at Mona Mona Bulmba Aboriginal Corporation have been working tirelessly to maintain and enhance the sites in Mona Mona and its surrounding areas.
Under the leadership of Supervisor Allin Roberson, the team has focused on preserving several historically significant locations, ensuring they remain clean, accessible, and presentable for the community.
The crew—comprising Steven Green, Barbara Riley, Ernest Brim, Michelle Brim, Mark Green, Laurence Hunter, Latia Levers, Winston Alpin, and Shanie Wason—have demonstrated a strong spirit of collaboration and dedication to their community. Their recent efforts include work on the cemeteries, roads, and horse stables, culminating in the cleanup and maintenance of the sawmill site.
The team is not only focused on immediate maintenance, but a vision for the future of Mona Mona. They aspire to establish a self-sufficient vegetable garden that would provide fresh produce for residents of Mona Mona and nearby communities such as Kuranda, Mantaka, Kowrowa, and Koah. The concept includes creating opportunities for community members to actively participate in harvesting, fostering engagement and promoting sustainability.
Supervisor Allin Roberson envisions further enhancements, including:
- Elder-approved plaques to honour Mona Mona’s heritage.
- Fencing the site for preservation and safety.
- Developing a playground to encourage outdoor activities for families and children.
The team’s achievements extend beyond maintenance work. Recently, several members completed First Aid training, a critical skill endorsed by their employer, facilitated by the employee and supported by TRACQS. Additionally, TRACQS has provided a bus to address transport challenges, ensuring workers can reach their job sites reliably.
This activity forms part of TRACQS’ ongoing partnership with employers under the Community Development Program (CDP) Trial. As part of this initiative, job seekers are placed into paid work opportunities, contributing to local development while gaining valuable experience. TRACQS is pleased to confirm that the next phase of the trial—Workforce Development—has been approved to continue into 2025, reinforcing their commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
The Mona Mona maintenance team exemplifies the power of collaboration, hard work, and a shared vision for the future. With ongoing support, their efforts will continue to make a lasting impact on the region and its people.
About the Community Development Program (CDP)
TRACQS is bringing local experience and knowledge to deliver the Community Development Program (CDP) proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
CDP is an employment program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to achieve sustainable employment outcomes by strengthening skills, addressing barriers and contributing to their communities through a range of flexible work-like activities.
