Ropes Crossing Skilling & Employment Centre Wins Award

After just 12 months of operation, the Ropes Crossing Skilling & Employment Centre at St Marys has won the category Regional Excellence - Outstanding Community Contribution by a Large Business at the 2006 Western Sydney Industry Awards.

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma and Minister for Western Sydney Diane Beamer announced the winners to more than 500 business leaders at a gala event at Hombush Bay on 19 May 2006.

The Western Sydney Industry Awards are recognised as the most prestigious regional awards in Australia.

The Centre is an Australian-first community initiative of Delfin Lend Lease and is focused on providing local jobs for local people. It is one of many initiatives at Delfin projects across the country aimed at developing strong communities through employment, education and training.

The Centre provides local jobseekers with access to facilities, advice and information to assist them to find local employment.

In the 12 months following its launch in April 2005, the Centre helped local residents find 333 jobs - the equivalent of more than one job every working day - and 77 ongoing training placements.

Project Director Arthur Ilias said the Centre had attracted interest from other companies and government agencies both locally, interstate and overseas who were interested in the Centre’s model.

“We’ve successfully facilitated employment or training for more than 85% of our members. These jobseekers are people of all ages, backgrounds and education levels looking for work in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, administration, service and retail.

“Congratulations go to Judith Field, Jan Pastuck and Robyn Addie for their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment over the past year.”

Image: Ropes Crossing's Robyn Addie, Jan Pastuck, Judith Field and Project Director Arthur Ilias.