Supporting future employment in the Big Rivers region

A Youth Futures Group has been established by Charles Darwin University (CDU) in the Big Rivers region to support building the regions capability to meet current and future employment and workforce needs.

The group will address the barriers and opportunities needed to create more training, development, and educational pathways, addressing youth unemployment and supporting entrepreneurs and micro business development in the region.

The group is to be chaired by CDU’s Big Rivers Engagement Manager Gary Giles and includes a membership that includes CDU staff, Katherine Town Council, local schools, government, NT Cattleman’s Association, NT Farmers, NLC, RISE Katherine, Chamber of Commerce, ISAC NT and more. 

CDU Big Rivers Engagement Manager Gary Giles said the establishment of the Big Rivers Youth Futures Group would ensure industry best support local people and workforce needs.

“We’re focused on supporting jobs and education pathways that local people need in the region so that we can meeting the future workforce needs of our community here in Big Rivers,” Mr Giles said.

“We have a real obligation to the local community and region to ensure we are filling the gaps between education, training and creation of a skilled workforce.”

NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke said NT Farmers was excited to be part of CDU’s Youth Futures Group, which would support getting young people into agriculture positions.  

“As agriculture expands in the region, it will create significant employment opportunities. This group will be critical in identifying how we can get young people from the area into rewarding farm jobs,” Mr Burke said.

“The group’s focus on identifying employment pathways for young people into a range of careers including agriculture will greatly benefit industry and the big rivers region. NT Farmers looks forward to participating in the group and seeing its outcomes.”