TRACQS is celebrating another milestone as five of TRACQS Community Development Program (CDP) participants, employed as Mona Mona Maintenance workers, successfully completed their chainsaw training. The training was delivered by Michael Vandersar at Vander Safety over three days from 14-16 April in Kuranda.

This training 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.   

This training is also a crucial step in developing participants’ skills and qualifications to support them in their current work in the community, and opening up new opportunities in forestry, land management, community and environmental services. 

With safety gear on and skills ready to be sharpened, the group tackled everything from classroom theory to field training with equipment maintenance and hands-on cutting techniques. 

The participants showed great focus, teamwork, and determination throughout the course, with many stepping out of their comfort zones and proving just how capable they are when given the right support and training. 

Michelle Brim, a TRACQS CDP participant employed as a Mona Mona Maintenance Worker and enthusiastic participant throughout the course, has expressed her satisfaction and enjoyment of the course: 

“What I love about the course is that I’ve got to learn different kinds of wood cuts and how to hold and use the chainsaw right, and I got to demonstrate these new skills on a real tree. I’ve really enjoyed doing the chainsaw course, and Michael Vandersar is a fantastic trainer.” 

Michael Vandersar from Vander Safety has praised the students for their positive attitude towards learning something new and approaching the training with courage: 

“Although it’s daunting to use a piece of equipment that is considered dangerous, all the students did so with courage and care, and they each gained a great deal of confidence in the process. It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a wonderful group of people, and I’d like to thank them all for their willingness to learn and have a go at something new.” – Michael Vandersar from Vander Safety. 

TRACQS would like to thank Michael Vandersar from Vander Safety for delivering the training, making it more accessible. 

A huge congratulations to the participants—we’re proud of what you’ve achieved and can’t wait to see where these new skills take you next! 

About the Community Development Program (CDP) 

TRACQS was developed in 2019 to become the leading Community Development Program (CDP) provider in Western Tables Region 52 to deliver quality pre and post-employment and training services to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in Far North Queensland. 

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.