Refugees employed to clean council's rubbish tips

THE Refugee Council of Australia has welcomed the employment of immigrant workers across the Western Downs to clean up the region’s landfills.

THE Refugee Council of Australia has welcomed the employment of immigrant workers across the Western Downs to clean up the region's landfills.

Refugee Council of Australia's Andrew Williams said the Western Downs Regional Council demonstrated "positive leadership".

"Refugees, once they arrive in Australia, are determined to find work and become productive members of their community," Mr Williams said.

"Employment is a critical building block for any refugee rebuilding their life in a new country.

"In our consultations with refugees, obstacles to employment are a constant source of frustration, so it's great to see Western Downs Regional Council showing other local councils a positive example in building a stronger community."

Mayor Ray Brown said the employment provided positive outcomes for both parties.

"It is very much a success story," Cr Brown said.

"This is good assistance. It is worthwhile for both. There should be a lot more of it."

Workers have been employed to minimise the environmental impacts of windblown litter and user activities at unmanned landfill sites across the region.

"It is an unfortunate one that is a blight on our communities," Cr Brown said.

Councillor Greg Olm said the program helped refugees gain valuable skills through on-the-job learning.

"The crews have been working hard to make sure our landfills are kept clean and tidy, by managing vegetation growth and windblown litter. It is encouraging to see residents and users supporting the work they are doing," Cr Olm said.

Cr Brown said the program would be part of the Federal Government's refugee assistance program, similar to Work for the Dole.

"We have an issue with waste, they have an issue of not knowing where their future is," Cr Brown said.

What do you think?

• Helen Houlder:Isn't there any unemployed people in this region that could be employed by the council?
• Bob Riley:Use this work as community service for the people that like to break into our businesses and houses.
• Shenae Reynolds:The fact that responsibility is even being taken to look after the landfills by anyone should be regarded as positive. Too many people focus on who, not what. We should be encouraging the clean-up, whether it be landfill or just keeping the community clean in general.
• Tyrone Gesler:There are plenty people in Dalby looking for work and finding it tough - unfortunately there's also a hell of a lot who wouldn't do that for a job.

Originally published as Refugees employed to clean council's rubbish tips