Melton’s Doretta Charles is working hard to make her dreams come true. And thanks to her recent completion of Matchworks’ Deadly Yakka program, they are.
Ms Charles had been out of work for some time but wanted to rejoin the workforce and be a role model for her 12-year-old daughter.
She’s now doing a part-time traineeship as an allied health assistant at Djerriwarrh Health Services. “I never thought I’d be doing this kind of work, but I’m giving it a go and it’s really exciting for me,” Ms Charles said.
“I don’t want my daughter to have a mum who doesn’t work.
“I feel so good now as I’m getting ready for work and she’s getting ready for school. It’s something I never thought would happen. I’m over the moon.”
The four-week Deadly Yakka program, newly launched in Bacchus Marsh, is tailored to indigenous job seekers who face unique barriers to employment.
Ms Charles, who described herself as “thirsty for information”, said the program was reassuring and helped boost her confidence.
“It was important for me because I really love getting information and meeting new people,” she said. “It was amazing, meeting all different kinds of people who can help you.”
Ms Charles hopes to eventually land a full-time job and own her own business or manage her own cafe. She said she highly recommended the program to all young Aboriginal people and hoped the programs would run more often.
Indigenous employment consultant Irene Sazdov said the program had been a great success, with all 12 participants graduating last week.
