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Issue 11 december 2005
www.beaconfoundation.net
Beacon Monitor
The Beacon Monitor is a quarterly publication of Beacon produced to keep sponsor organisations informed of progress and items of interest.
Chief Executive Report
With the 2006 year-end rapidly approaching it is an latest project, Polish.
opportune time to look back on another successful year. The national trial made
possible by Sinclair
No Dole continues to flourish, Real Jobs is generating
Knight Merz and Civil
incredible interest and Beacon’s latest program, Polish,
Contractors Federation
has been a huge hit in the twenty schools it was piloted
was a huge success.
in, in 2005.
Hannah’s expertise shone
None of this successful activity would be possible through with this trial,
without the incredible support of Beacon’s partners ably assisted by Julian
listed on the left hand side of this page. Each in its own and Brett.
way is making a very real contribution to Beacon’s work
Lastly I would like to
with growing numbers of partners’ employees showing
acknowledge the unsung heroes back at headquarters,
interest in getting involved at the local level in Beacon’s
Kellie Shearing, who started as a trainee, has been with
projects. From all involved with Beacon, we sincerely
Beacon for almost three years and professionally supports
thank you for your support.
all at Beacon, and recently retired Helen Poprawski who
Acknowledgement must also go to the efforts of after close to ten years with Beacon has provided so
the Beacon team at head office and nationally. Brett much support to others and myself in the organisation in
Flanagan for his coordination of the Real Jobs project, in this time. Both should be congratulated for their efforts,
particular the New Norfolk Stone Project, Julian Mostert without them we would not have achieved what we
who as National No Dole Project Manager this year has have today.
done a tremendous job, State Coordinators; Jane Artup,
As we look to 2006 Beacon will be further developing
Murray Johnston and Ian Freer (VIC), John Alexander
projects in Indigenous Education and looking to further
(QLD), Chrissie Parry (WA), Jean Civitarese (SA) and
replication of Real Jobs, No Dole and Polish. Although we
Anita Orchard (TAS) have all made such a meaningful
have considerable sponsor involvement in our projects,
contribution on the ground in supporting Beacon projects
one of our challenges is to service the growing number
(except for Anita and Jane) on a part-time basis.
of requests from sponsors’ employees to get involved in
This part-time network was trialled this year as part of an supporting young people. With National Skill Shortages
increased commitment from AMP and Social Ventures present more and more industries will be looking at
Australia and has proved to be, although not perfect, engaging with schools, the challenge for schools and
very effective. industry is how they positively work together to assist
Hannah Lawson was employed this year in a part time young learners.
LC
ONTRAC capacity to identify and develop positive marketing
opportunities as well as project manage Beacon’s scott HarrIs
TO
I
CIV
RS
FE
D E R A TIO
N
Civil Contractors Federation & Sinclair
Knight Merz Support the Polish Program
In an interesting co-operative effort, two of Beacon’s
longstanding sponsors, Sinclair Knight Merz and the Civil
Contractors Federation, have joined together to sponsor
the first stage of the national rollout of Beacon’s latest
national program – Polish.
Polish is aimed at helping young school leavers to
better understand the world of work before they enter
it - particularly issues like personal hygiene, presentation
and representation and what their prospective employers
will require of them. The program goes well beyond
the usual preparation of a curriculum vitae and reflects
the reality that there is much more to getting a job than
feedback are being obtained to the point where Beacon
merely ‘sending your curriculum vitae’.
is now having to seek out ways to extend the rollout in
The program runs for one day and focuses particularly on 2006.
young people without a positive home influence and role
It is interesting to note that the project sponsors are both
model. The program is presented by a group of energetic
‘feeling the pinch’ of the National Skills Shortage and are
young business people, all of whom have their own small
keen to attract more young people into their respective
business experience and a wealth of real life stories with
ranks at the Trade, Para-Professional and Professional
which to communicate with and convince the students.
levels. Both SKM and CCF Members are making staff
In the first year of the national rollout, the program was available to assist with the delivery of Polish in each
conducted in a necessarily limited number of ‘No Dole’ State - a great example of the width and depth of support
schools in all States. Tremendously positive results and Beacon enjoys from its sponsors.
Matthew's Matthew is your typical brash, loud talking 15 year old
looking for direction – not sure of what he wants to do,
The students will then spend the afternoon moving in
groups through four main areas of employment out on
Positive Change but full of big dreams and big ambitions of where he wants
to go in life.
site, beginning with a project overview, and then exploring
the areas of the civil and building industries, drafting,
in Direction He’s a good kid, but like a lot of our kids he needs direction, purchasing and estimating, and then a show home looking
at sales, design and the finished product. These students
and boundaries, and the chance to find out what the real
world of work is like out of school. will leave the site knowing that approximately 130 real jobs
exist in this one area, and that any of them interested in
Two weeks ago, in an initiative brokered by the Western pursuing a specific career may do it with the support of
Australian State No Dole Coordinator and the Civil the industry areas.
Contractors Federation, Matthew went onto site, into
work, and set his feet firmly on a pathway to a real job, As for Matthew, he is still brash, but this is translating into a
and a real future. quiet sense of confidence as he learns his way around the
job, however, this did not happen smoothly. Initially it was
The initiative has developed from a very real need for CCF
hard to get up every morning and go to work, especially
to attract, train and employ 100 new apprentices in the very
when mum wasn’t getting you up, and catching buses
near future to ensure the continuing development of their
industry, and their future in the face of the National Skills and working long hours was a bit tougher than school,
Shortages. And while schools are doing the best they can but the camaraderie on site, the satisfaction of seeing
to ensure their young people are work ready, and industry your efforts materialise into pipe lines, curbing, bricks and
are offering the opportunities, there still seems to exist a mortar, and a sense of becoming a working adult more
divide between school and the realities of the workplace. than compensated for the early mornings.
The CCF initiative is simple in concept - Matthew initially It won’t always be smooth sailing for Matthew, at 15 it is
visited the site and had a look at what the industry entailed, expected that he will work like a man twice his age, but
he then began two days a week of work on site after with the support of his No Dole Coordinator, CCF and his
completing his Occupational Health and Safety Green Card. work mates Matthew will begin to channel his brashness
In another week’s time the entire Year 10 cohort from his into a positive energy, his loud talking into becoming a
school will be taken out to visit the site and hear first hand young spokesman for the industry with his peers, and his
from their mate Matthew what the job is all about. big dreams into something that are real.
No doLe
The graph shows the percentage of young
people aged between 15-19 who were in
full time employment, education or part time
employment and education in 2004.
Retention Rates The Australian National Average from the
‘Dusseldorp Skills Forum - from young people
2004 (%) at Risk in the Transition from Education to Work’
was 86%, as shown in blue.
The percentage of young people who went
onto further education, employment or training,
who took part in the No Dole program with
the Beacon Foundation was 97%, as shown in
maroon.
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Tim is a lawyer by training and an advocate by nature. His with carries on some
career to date has involved working with peak industry themes from various
groups, firstly with the Western Australia Municipal programs Tim had
Association, representing the Local Governments in been involved
Western Australia and more recently the Chamber with in his Local
of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, which Government
represents the resources sector in this State. days fostering
Tim has a wide range of professional and personal interests. community
Active on a number of Boards and Committees as well as development and
Beacon, including the RAC of Western Australia, where addressing youth
he has been a Council Member for around 4 years, the unemployment.
Western Australia Local Government Superannuation Board
where he has been a Director for just over a year. Tim is also The Beacon Foundation has grown spectacularly since
involved with the Australia Day Council in Western Australia Tim first knew it, and there have been courageous and
where he is Deputy Chairman. He has been a Trustee of the visionary strides made to spread the work across Australia.
Country Medical Foundation for over a decade. “It is a testament in particular to Scott Harris and his team
for implementing the ambitious vision of the Foundation
Tim is an avid reader and high tech junkie. He consumes and keeping all the 'balls in the air'
three to four newspapers a day, he likes the cryptic
crosswords and follows politics and public affairs closely. Ultimately it would be great if the Beacon Foundation
Tim and his wife have a wonderful family with three didn’t need to exist, but in the medium term I think it
daughters and a recently arrived son. will continue to provide a vehicle for bringing together
and activating the business, local community to address
Tim’s key passions in life are his family, working and youth unemployment issues in a very tangible way. “I
meeting with people, and his job. hope that Beacon always continues to experiment with
Tim firstly became involved with the Beacon Foundation different approaches, given that it has the freedom to do
during his time working with SKM, where he met Bill that, and that we continue to give permission to try risky
Lawson, and was infected by his passion and commitment things that might fail, but some that will be spectacular
to the Beacon Work. The work that Beacon is involved successes”.
“Real Jo
at its be bs”
@
StoneWorx Construction
st!
New Norfolk
Phase three of the “Real Jobs” project at New Norfolk, The Cottage is scheduled to be completed in late
the construction of a stone cottage was launched, in November early December.
August, by Deputy Premier and Minister for Housing
There are now 6 Trainees actively involved in the
David Llewellyn, Mayor of New Norfolk Nick Cracknell
project. Of the nine who initially embarked on the
and Chairman of Beacon Foundation Bill Lawson.
project, one has gone back to College, another is
Housing Tasmania through Minister Llewellyn employed by Hazell Brothers Construction and the
have made a suitable block of land available for the other, currently unemployed, has indicated that he
construction of the cottage to a prospective purchaser wants to go back to work and may finish his Traineeship
who is pre qualified under the Government Welfare with a local builder.
Housing Scheme. The Government will underwrite
There has been a huge change in attitude and work
the cost of the house up to a ceiling of $130,000 under
ethic in the Trainees over the last six months and to
the Scheme if the Council and Beacon are unable to
date all projects have been completed successfully.
achieve a sale within 3 months of issue of a Certificate
As we look to the coming weeks there are still
of Occupancy.
important issues that need to be dealt with in order
The Trainees have commenced work on the three to have a successful handover into a fully commercial
bedroom dwelling in what will be their biggest arrangement, like the hand over of the business.
challenge yet. This cottage will become the ‘face’ Beacon is working closely with Partner Social Ventures
of the project and will be highly exposed throughout Australia to address this issue as well as development
the media to build public awareness which in turn will of a marketing plan for 2006.
hopefully result in orders to allow the project to be self
In what is great news for Beacon, communities in
sustaining.
Perth and Brisbane are looking at replicating this stone
“It’s been a big build up to the building of the cottage project in 2006 as a commitment to supporting local
but it’s definitely worth it”, said one of the Trainees. youth in their respective areas.
The Trainees are full steam ahead with the footings
already dug, concrete poured and stone walls ready
for construction
Parent / Student Positive Experience
with the No Dole program in New South Wales
Margaret and Dennis Geeves, have 3 children with Craig businesses they have contact with. “It’s fairly typical for
being their youngest just completing year 10. Through boys especially to go home and give you a one line answer
Craig’s experience with No Dole his parents have come to about what they did at school. You don’t know a lot about
be committed to helping the school knowing what a benefit what they’re doing. At Warilla and Oak Flats they go to the
the program can be to young people. Margaret’s reflection beach for instance and each hour they have a speaker from
on her first impressions of the program, “I thought the No industry and business talk about careers. All we hear is that
Dole program was just for kids who were really struggling they went to the beach. It’s important to communicate to
at school, likely candidates for the dole but when I realised parents the very real benefit and to talk with their children
what Craig was doing in the program and how much it has about the options their exploring. We are exploring how,
helped him I realise it’s something every student involved at the schools, we can communicate the program more
benefits from.” effectively as well as gain their practical support by offering
their time and professional links."
Craig was always into building things, his grandfather taught
him about wood turning and he spent hours at home working In 2003 the school had 156 students when it decided, and
with his hands and helping his dad who is an electrician started to publicise, that it would be running No Dole in
with Blue Scape Steel. “At first we wanted Craig to finish 2004. The program’s success at Oak Flats High School has
year 11 and 12 but we agreed that if he found himself a meant the program is well known in the community now
Building Apprenticeship then he could leave in year 10. We and Oak Flats High School have benefited reporting that
had realised that Craig was convinced that to be a builder their enrolments have increased 20% in 2004 since running
was for him when he started drafting and sending letters to the program for the first time in 2003.
builders asking to do an Apprenticeship. I’m sure the school
Warilla High are now enjoying a similar response from the
helped him know how to go about getting this first break
Community. The school had 230 students signed up for
and gave him the encouragement and contact he needed.”
year 7 in 2004. School coordinator Bob Pastor said, “You’ve
Craig had already sent out quite a few letters with no got to ask where are these kids being pulled from? I’ve
positive replies when through the No Dole program he asked a few parents and a good number have mentioned the
went on a work placement with Andrew Connors, a builder positive association with Beacon’s No Dole program. Some
from Dapto. He worked with them for two and a half weeks have also pointed to the fact that they now have a public
including one week in his own time in the holidays, which alternative to a private school and still achieve excellent
meant starting work at 6.30am. Andrew was happy with preparation for future employment.” In a world where there
Craig’s work and he is now working for Dapto with a four- are so many possible pathways and still concerns about job
year Apprenticeship in front of him. Margaret spoke about prospects parents are keen to send their kids to a school
how this had given her son a real sense of purpose. “You where they are helped to gain important life and workplace
could see the positive impact this had on him even in the skills as well as the educational results. The news about
way he walked and people commented about it. It has the growth of the school and the types of things they're
given him a lot more confidence and self-belief than he’s achieving with their students has reached the Director
ever had before. At Dapto it was said, the first days he was General of Education who personally is coming to the
there he was pretty shy and didn’t look you in the eye when school to congratulate the staff on what they're achieving.
you spoke to him but now he’s a lot more comfortable. Bob says “In the 25 years of my being in schools I have
never seen the Director General come to congratulate staff
As parents in the school, Margaret believes there’s a
for what they're achieving, it’s a big ‘pat on the back’ for us
lot more that could be done to help parents grasp the
and for the program.
full benefits of the program and perhaps open doors to
Current Beacon
Mount erin Secondary Charter singing for year 10' s at Foundation
palmerston high in darwin ‘No Dole’ Sites 2005
‘Bright Palmerston High School demonstrated the strength that their Tasmania
Futures program is gaining each year through their Charter Signing
Ceremony on the 16th of June in Darwin. John Baldock, the
Assistant Principal opened the Charter Signing Ceremony by
Brooks High School
New Norfolk High School
Cressy District High School
- No addressing students, staff & guests. A number of speakers
then took the stand including Mr Chris Dias, Palmerston High
School Principal, the Palmerston Mayor, Mrs Annette Burke,
Penguin High School
Huonville High School
Campbell Town District High School
Dole’ Mr Scott Harris, Beacon CEO and of course Special Guests,
Ben Tune and John Roe of the Australian Wallabies.
Wynyard High School
Triabunna District High School
Geeveston District High School
The school was delighted that the Australian Rugby Union Geilston Bay High School
As another new school, Mount Erin Secondary College
team saw fit to send two marquee players to the Ceremony. Ulverstone High School
undertook their first Charter Singing event on the 1st of
Support such as this reinforced to the students before
August this year at Mornington Racecourse Club with huge
they had even spoken, that they are important and that the Victoria
success. They have taken on the name ‘Bright Futures - No commitment that they were making on the day was a serious
Dole’ and have already had Jeff Wignall of Jeff Wignall’s Ford Newcomb Secondary College
and valued one. John Roe spoke at length about the importance Echuca Secondary College
Motor dealership approach the school to be their Business of determination and commitment in order to achieve one’s
Patron, an important role, which will truly benefit the Echuca High School
goals and that St Joseph’s College
Frankston area. Jeff also spoke at the event and relevantly this was the
spoke directly to the students present retelling stories from Sunshine Secondary College
major reason for Bayside Secondary College
his youth, his fear of public speaking and the finding of his him achieving Melton Secondary College
career path. He focused on the importance of being involved the success that Kurunjang Secondary College
in a job and a career that you are passionate about, which he has achieved Staughton College
was very relevant to the day. in his life. The Alexandra Secondary College
Michael Daddo, Strategy and Marketing Advisor of students valued Doveton Secondary College
his attendance Laverton Secondary College
“Transurban” also spoke at the Charter Signing. Michael
and his message Flinders Peak Secondary College
Daddo is a strong supporter of Youth in the Community
impressed all Western Port Secondary College
and spoke passionately about connecting community and
who were in Yea High School
school with business. Michael emphasized the importance
attendance. Lyndhurst Secondary College
of businesses being connected to schools, to provide young
people with further opportunities. Michael was noted as a The community also demonstrated their desire to be a part of Hoppers Crossing Secondary College
big part of the success of the day. With Heather Worrall, the youth in their area in a very visible way. Besides attending Monterey Secondary College
assistant Principal of Mount Erin Secondary College, stating the Ceremony, around 230 people signed the Charter. This Croydon Community School
that Michael’s “willingness to encourage other community indicated that interest in the program is growing around the Galvin Park Secondary College
leaders to take on board the young people and to show the top end. This has been further evidenced by the recent Hampton Park Secondary College
benefits of this have been an integral part of the success of generous financial contributions which have been made to Mt Erin Secondary College
this day”. the program to ensure that it will continue in as effective a
manner as it has been running. South Australia
Kia Luby also spoke at the Charter Signing. Kia is well known Smithfield Plains High School
for staring in ‘The Saddle Club’ on the ABC and is also a At the conclusion of the official Ceremony, a traditional
Christies Beach High School
annual photograph was taken of guests and students from
recognised Singer and Song writer with the chart hit ‘Follow Eastern Fleurieu High School
the School roof, overlooking the lawns. This photo has been
your Dreams’, a song with lyrics very appropriate for the
an important tool in publicity and marketing of the program
event while also being a large hit amongst the students. The Western Australia
and as an effective thank you gift for different supporters.
students were equally impressed and inspired by Kia’s story Balga Senior High School
These photos hang proudly in the school along with actual
of how she started off in ‘The Saddle Club’, the pressures of Mandurah High School
Charters and are a terrific point of discussion for all visitors.
fame, the hard work of juggling school, a television show, a Coodanup Community College
record deal and being a teenager and more importantly how The Charter Signing Ceremony was an extremely successful Armadale Senior High School
she would not change anything for the world. Kia was a great day ending with refreshments being served. Students Lockridge Senior High School
example of what hard work can achieve. mingled with guests and exchanged photos, autographs and
contact details. Many guests took the opportunity to try and Queensland
Heather said of the day “It was awe inspiring to see the large pass on some rugby tips to John Roe and Ben Tune before Glenmore State High School
number of community representatives present who were leaving. The comment was clearly made by many that the Mt Morgan State High School
willing to commit to the support of the Year 10s”. Mount students were very focused and motivated. They seemed Ingham State High School
Erin had over 30 different community representatives accept aware of their future choices, how they would be able to get Loganlea State High School
invitations to the Charter Signing event showing the amount there and most importantly that they are enthusiastic about Maroochydore State High School
of support this group of year 10 students have in their local tomorrow. Narangba Valley State High School
area. Proving that these students really will have bright Ravenshoe State School
futures. Dimbulah State High School
Clifton State High School
Herberton State High School
ofile
Staff Pr
Anita Orchard has been with the Beacon their time and that the advantage of being work Malanda State High School
Foundation since the beginning of July 2005. ready puts them so far in front of anyone else. I Mount St Bernard College
Appointed as the No Dole Coordinator for feel I can offer life experience to young people,
Tasmania and Administration Supervisor. Anita’s as my younger years were very challenging. At New South Wales
role is to monitor the current schools running the my time of leaving school I had no idea of the Tomaree High School
No Dole program and also to oversee the daily opportunities out there that I could reach. Sydney Secondary College
running of the office. Oak Flats High School
Seeing business getting involved and opening
Anita has been studying and working the doors of communication into the school is Warilla High School
in administration, accounting and office a very satisfying feeling, the positive outcomes Nepean High School
management over the last 4 years, and previously are filtering through from the school, the local Gymea Technology High School
Anita worked in retail and retail management. businesses and into the whole community. Brisbane Water Secondary College
Dubbo College
Anita also has a young daughter Chloe, who is I feel this is a very challenging and satisfying
Anita her pride and joy. And in her spare time, enjoys experience. Seeing how young people change Australian Capital Territory
walking, swimming and water sports. their outlook on their future, from not knowing
Orchard Calwell High School
what they are going to do when they leave high
“Since I have been with Beacon, I have found it
school to having a career focus and a future to Northern Territory
very exciting. Young people need be aware that
look forward too”. Palmerston High School
school has a purpose, that they are not wasting
OFFICE: SuITE 15, ANZ Centre, 22 Elizabeth St, Hobart Tasmania 7000 P: (03) 6224 8088 F: (03) 6224 8099 E: admin@beaconfoundation.net
