The feel-good story behind our latest Prize Home

But there’s more to our latest Prize Home than meets the eye.

Over the past year, the Tallebudgera property has been transformed into a million dollar getaway – with help from the young people in our Social Enterprises program.

Made possible by our generous yourtown supporters, the program provides young people with paid work experience and on-the-job training as a stepping stone to future employment.

This time that training saw them help create a hinterland paradise for one lucky winner.

From preparing the property for the new build to working on the landscaping, our trainees were given the chance to learn some valuable skills.

“The idea of our enterprise is to have a team for a period until we can get work for them,” Social Enterprises co-ordinator Matt Alderton explained.

“Participants got to work in a real work environment beside other trades. They interacted with builders, plumbers and electricians, and saw how they work together on a work site, which is a great experience for them.”

For Jarrod, the experience was exactly what he needed

“I’ve made a lot of new friends, and I’ve actually achieved getting my licence, and learned new skills,” he said.

“I reckon it is a great chance to actually improve and to get a better understanding of the workplace.”

For young people who have been unemployed for a long time, things like not having a driver’s licence, limited transport, low literacy and numeracy, unstable accommodation and low self-esteem can all impact their ability to break into the work force.