Green Wings take flight at Bonnyrigg as Federal Housing Minister launches green jobs training and employment program, MARCH 2010

“The Green Wings program is a shot in the arm for local employment that will provide traineeships and flexible work options in green industries while providing much needed services for the local community,” Newleaf Communities General Manager Claudia Stevens said.

Green Wings is an innovative partnership with the Federal Government that is designed to gear businesses in and around Bonnyrigg towards sustainable industries. It will also:
• Provide employment and training in job-ready green skills; and
• Contribute to environmental sustainability in the Newleaf Bonnyrigg redevelopment. 
One of the first full-time trainees to join the Green Wings Program is Ryan Brown, 19, of Bossley Park, who is studying Certificate III Property Services at TAFE as well as a Statement of Attainment in Home Sustainability assessment.

“Green jobs are the way of the future, so anything that can help me find work in that field is a real help,” Ryan said.

Since the start of the program in November three full-time management roles, four full-time traineeships, 17 student-based traineeships and 9 casuals have been placed providing 33 of the 55 jobs to be created through the program.

Accredited training is provided in horticulture, home sustainability assessment, business administration and property services.

Commonwealth Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek said Green Wings will receive $1.8 million under the Local Jobs stream of Jobs Fund.

“Through Jobs Fund, the Australian Government is helping the renewal of Bonnyrigg Estate by supporting new jobs and skills,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Green Wings will create jobs for 29 people and a further 26 traineeships by mid–2011 through work including the retrofitting of 200 homes to improve energy and water efficiency.

The Commonwealth is proud to support Green Wings which will deliver training and create employment by building relationships with local services, organisations and businesses to promote local investment and local jobs.”

“Residents in Bonnyrigg are already seeing the benefits of this project,” Ms Stevens said.

“In the initial phase of the project over 95 lawn mowing and cleaning services have been provided to elderly and disabled residents, two streetscape improvement projects have been completed with another in train and a fourth at the design stage.” Ms Stevens said.

Editors note:
Newleaf Communities is an exciting new urban revitalisation project currently underway in the suburb of Bonnyrigg in south west Sydney. The project is set to transform an 81 hectare site to provide 2,330 new homes as well as upgraded parks and community facilities in 18 small stages over 13 years. Our team works closely with the existing community to make Bonnyrigg a safe, friendly, healthy and vibrant neighbourhood with opportunities for all.

Newleaf Communities consists of Hastings Funds Managment (Westpac), Becton Property Development, Spotless, St George Community Housing, Bonnyrigg Management and Newleaf Community Renewal.