Tara Murray
Concern Australia is keen to put a difficult 2020 behind it and look ahead.
The non-for-profit organisation, which works with vulnerable young people, late last month celebrated its 50th birthday while launching a new strategic plan which will shape the organisation’s future.
Concern Australia chief executive Michelle Crawford said COVID-19 had been difficult for the organisation and its clients.
However, she said the young people they work with had shown “incredible resilience”.
Ms Crawford said the organisation has 15 properties which house young people.
COVID offered up challenges from adequate toilet paper and basic grocery supplies through to continuing a strong community culture while the state was in lockdown.
“We tried to carry the sense of hope and optimism which we have carried for young people, … for ourselves, through unknown and unchartered waters.”
One of the positives to come from the pandemic was the employment of seven people through the Working for Victoria program.
“We have limited resources and we have lots of ideas and [now] have seven staff, highly skilled, highly qualified people,” Ms Crawford said.
“One of the people has a masters in public health and she stepped into the COVID-19 response to look at our current PPE. To be able to tap into that expertise was a real benefit for us.”
Ms Crawford said the organisation was now looking to add two new job advocates as part of the Working for Victoria program.
The advocates will work in their communities, helping to connect people with employment services, training opportunities and other support.
Footscray MP Katie Hall joined in the organisations 50th celebrations.
Ms Hall said the investment being made in organisations such as Concern Australia is crucial to helping make sure young people
don’t fall through the cracks.
“This support for Concern Australia has created important local jobs and will provide ongoing benefits for members of the community who most need assistance.”
Concern Australia used the celebrations to launch a new logo and strategic plan.
Some of the key points include extending the organisation’s reach to young people up to the age of 25, and changing its focus to living, learning and earning.
