Published: 3 July 2012

(L –R) Local Group Leader Abbie Hannah, Sarah Murray, Jessica Murray, Mackayla Hannah and Morayfield MP Darren Grimwade outside the Girl Guides hut at Caboolture, which was refurbished by Centacare Employment Group job training project.

Ten long-term unemployed people graduated on Friday June 29 from a Centacare Employment managed project that gave them valuable construction skills while restoring a girl guides' hut damaged by floods in Caboolture.

State Member for Morayfield Darren Grimwade congratulated the graduates of the Caboolture Girl Guides Restoration Project on behalf of the Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek.

Participants of the 17-week project were funded with a $189,970 grant under the State Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

"The project was managed by Centacare Employment Group to restore the Caboolture Girl Guides hut which sustained extensive water damage during the January 2011 floods," Mr
Langbroek said.

"Repair work undertaken on site included internal and external painting, replacing flooring, wall structures, cupboards and other storage space, minor landscaping, sanding timber floors and replacing fencing.

Member for Morayfield Darren Grimwade said that as well as restoring a community asset, participants gained practical work experience, a construction industry white card, first aid
certificate and skills in using power and outdoor tools.

"In addition they received training in material safety data sheet preparation, workplace health and safety, resume and job search skills," he said.

Centacare Employment Group State Programs Coordinator David Donovan said that already two participants have begun jobs and others are in the process of applying for work and attending interviews.

The project is one of three managed by Centacare Employment that together received $569,590 to employ 30 people to restore flood-damaged community amenities.