Aboriginal traineeships to start

At the Ballina RSL information session for the Regional Aboriginal Project for Traineeships (RAPT). Some of the participants were, Kaiden Powell, Stephanie Ferguson, Audley Hickling, Beryl Dixon and project officer for the program Brett Ashby from Ballina District Community Services Association.

Mireille Merlet-Shaw

ABORIGINAL people are set to take their place on 20 community-sector traineeships with community organisations in areas from Grafton to Pottsville, Casino and Evans Head.

The Regional Aboriginal Project for Traineeships (RAPT) information session yesterday in Ballina attracted 51 Aboriginal people.

It is a first for the Northern Rivers and organisers say there are well-qualified people ready to take on the roles.

"There's a wealth of talent out there and we want to train them up so they get their qualifications," said Brett Ashby, Special Projects Officer at Ballina District Community Services Association which will take on seven of the 20.

Two who came along to the session were 22-year-old Kaiden Powell from Lismore and Denise Saunders from Ballina.

"I've been at home being a mum for the last five years and after coming here today, it's also motivated me to apply. I've already done a few of the jobs like home care and working with children," said Ms Saunders.

Mr Powell said "I found today's session a great experi- ence. It would be good to get into health and help out our community. The positions look absolutely fantastic - the mentoring behind it is good."