NEWCASTLE OZHARVEST

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown) — I recently attended the launch of the Newcastle OzHarvest Nourish hospitality training program at the Lake Macquarie PCYC. OzHarvest's Nourish Program is a hospitality focused pathway to engagement and employment for at-risk youth aged 16 to 25. OzHarvest has partnered with TAFE NSW which provides Nourish with the support of volunteers, mentors and qualified industry professionals. The 18-week Nourish Program is free of charge for participants. As a part of their practical assessment students participate in 12 service periods. Nourish enables at-risk youth in my electorate of Charlestown. It creates hope, opportunity and supported pathways for young people disadvantaged by intergenerational unemployment, low literacy and numeracy, mental health challenges including anxiety and depression, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program increases at-risk youth's earning potential avoiding health, housing and welfare costs. I congratulate Nourish graduates and commend OzHarvest for their valuable contribution to our community.

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