YAAMA DHINAWAN SERVES UP FIRST HOSPITALITY GRADUATES

Ms Tebbutt said the Yaama Dhinawan training centre opened its doors in October and will give local and indigenous students a better chance of employment in the hospitality industry.

“This course will help set a new direction for these students, by not only teaching them the hospitality basics but encouraging specialisation in Australia’s unique indigenous cuisine,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“The Government is determined to make a real difference in Redfern and Waterloo by providing more opportunities and jobs – and this initiative shows we’re making real progress.

“These 15 students are to be congratulated for being the first to complete this eight-week training course. It sets them up with new skills to enter the industry and gain full-time employment.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work of Aboriginal elder and caterer, Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, along with young Aboriginal chef Matt Cribb.”

Yaama Dhinawan is part of the North Eveleigh Training Centre which was established with the support of a $750,000 investment by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.

Training funds have been provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor said the centre’s hospitality course alone is expected to train at least 60 students a year.

“It is our aim that it will become a world-class cross cultural training and employment centre specialising in modern Australian cuisine, including indigenous produce,” Mr Sartor said.

“Students will also be able to gain real industry experience through Yaama Dhinawan’s catering contracts and a commercial café and function centre due to open next year.

“The North Eveleigh Training Centre will also offer training in construction skills.

“The program will support the RWA’s Jobs Compact which has already secured 124 new jobs and training opportunities for indigenous people on local construction sites.”

Aunty Beryl said she was proud to see Yaama Dhinawan’s first students now able to enter the workforce.

“I have wanted to set up a training course like this for more than 30 years,” she said.

“I am thrilled to see this dream finally come to fruition with the support of the RWA.

“There’s a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that this centre has been established right here in Redfern.”

[From Media Release from Carmel Tebbutt on 15^th December 2006]