Australian communities are experiencing constant change. The pace of this change is increasing. Long periods of certainty for industry, business, politics and individuals have been replaced by the microchip, global economics and constant change in business and government requirements. The business climate has come to encompass what at times, seems unpredictable change.
From small Indigenous communities in Australia’s north to large city councils, many communities are dealing with change and preparing for the future. Some communities seem to be coping better than others and many can point to projects and events that have created a feeling of achievement and growth. They are attempting to create new opportunities at the same time as managing retrenchments and job losses.
Many communities have come to understand the importance of focusing on the future in order to prepare the groundwork for the next generation and the generations after.
Local employment development involves identifying and harnessing human and financial resources and utilising development opportunities to improve the economic, employment and social well being of their community. There are a range of strategies and tactics available to all communities. The skill lies in getting the mix right for your community and then changing, modifying and repositioning as necessary.
Successful development of solutions for employment problems lies in accurate identification of the community’s strengths and competitive advantages and building on them to intensify economic activity and create employment opportunities. It is also about recognising weaknesses and impediments to growth and dealing with them. Through working together towards a common goal people become involved in decision-making process. The community is galvanised and empowered.
The ‘best practice’ employment initiatives are designed, managed, implemented and owned by the community. They are not one off projects, but sustainable. Generally they are more effective when part of long term strategies. They frequently involve co-operation and partnerships between the private sector, the public sector and the community. Outcomes are directed to greater social and economic prosperity.
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