Cyndy Connole from the LHMU made a great presentation at the recent Education at the Edges forum about this innovative project. Check it out! Inspiring stuff!

The program was launched at another event during Anti-Poverty Week 2008. The Service Stars – Community Jobs Alliance program prepares and places refugees and other disadvantaged people in real jobs with decent wages and conditions. The program brings together the LHMU, refugee groups, Victoria Police and employers to help marginalised Australians get a secure foothold in the workforce. Service Stars is initially focused on cleaning and hospitality with plans to extend it to other industries. Read more below or watch the video.

The program was piloted in July, when eleven Somalian and Sudanese refugees were trained and placed in cleaning and hospitality jobs.

The program was initiated by the LHMU, who employ a dedicated community coordinator to use the union’s power and networks to help emerging communities build a strong voice.

LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh said Service Stars is unique because it provides real training and a real job.

“Through our community work we realised many refugees struggle to secure good jobs with proper pay and conditions; they’re at risk of becoming an underclass,” she said.

“Service Stars allows us to use our relationships with reputable employers, government and community groups to provide real training that leads to good jobs.”

“This is a model that works. We hope more employers will get behind this.”

Mohammed Hassan, a refugee from Somalia, is a graduate of the pilot program and for the last three months has worked as a cleaner.

“If you are not working, you are on Centrelink. Now I am independent. I have freedom. I can save money. I can start planning for my future,” he said.

Rick Edgar, Managing Director, Peter Rowland Catering, backed Service Stars.

“We have great difficulty in finding enough workers and it’s getting harder. And here’s this group who are just waiting for an opportunity,” he said.

“The Africans we’ve employed have a great work ethic. They’re keen to learn, they’re hard-working and they’re reliable. They’re a welcome part of the team.”

“The training devised by the LHMU is excellent. Graduates began work straightaway.”

“We’re delighted with Service Stars. There is no downside.”