Local youths clean up church gardens and gain new skills

Ten young people from Brisbane’s western suburbs will graduate this week from an innovative program giving them the skills to enter the workforce or further education.

BoysTown recruited 10 students, aged 15 to 19, who had been disengaged from school or work to renovate the church grounds of St Hugh’s Church, Inala. The seven week project is part of BoysTown's ‘Get Set for Work’ program funded by the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The work team not only learnt lots of practical skills but also completed a Certificate II in Landscaping qualification.

BoysTown Youth Worker Mark Gollan said the existing church gardens had been overgrown for many years and the team had worked hard to create a space the entire community could be proud of. “This has been a team approach from the beginning, with the students and the church community putting their heads together to plan out the new gardens,” Mr Gollan said.

"Along with a good tidy up and clean, the front gardens have been completely rejuvenated with an additional two gardens planted and a retaining wall at the back of the church installed. “Sixty square metres of turf was laid and the pathway to a memorial garden was paved.”

As well as a large practical component, course work included theory, preparing resumes and interview skills. Mr Gollan said the reaction from local businesses and clubs was overwhelming. “The support from local businesses has been phenomenal,” he said.  "Local industries have donated materials including landscaping materials and plants. “The positive effect on the students has been fantastic. Most of them have not felt part of the community for some time and their confidence had taken a hit. “Working with each other and the community has seen these kids make good friendships, take away an overall sense of accomplishment and show them that they can make a difference." Local councillor Milton Dick and other members of the Inala community will attend the graduation ceremony in the church grounds at 11am on Wednesday, 16 December 2015.

About BoysTown
For over 50 years, BoysTown has been dedicated to helping those without voice to improve their quality of life. We offer counselling, including Kids Helpline, employment services, training, education, family refuges and help with parenting. In 2014-15, we helped over 250,000 children, young people and families nationally.

INTERVIEW/PHOTO/FILMING OPPORTUNITIES
Mark Gollan, BoysTown Youth Worker
Cr Milton Dick, local councillor

MEDIA CONTACTS
Ernestine Lavalle, KDPR (07) 3136 2555 0411 691 241 [email protected]
Andrea Dickson, KDPR (07) 3136 2555 0421 971 923 [email protected]
Regan Flor, BoysTown (07) 3867 1395 0423 843 786 [email protected]

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