Two Bishops Trust

Working with Muswellbrook

Since the establishment of the Two Bishops Trust Muswellbrook Project in March 2001, with the support of the Coal and Allied Community Trust, around 290 people have registered with the service looking for work. In the early stages of the Project, many people were referred to the centre through word of mouth.

The Project is run by Two Bishops Trust Project Worker Phoebe Begg, with the support of a team of committed volunteers. Around 23 people help out in the centre, which is housed within a small office at the back of a Samaritans Clothing Store. A local advisory group comprising of representatives of Muswellbrook Catholic and Anglican parishes, St Vincent de Paul, the Samaritans and Coal & Allied also support the project.

The welcoming environment of the Centre attracts a steady stream of visitors who call into the office to see Phoebe or utilise services that are run with the assistance of volunteers, including practise interviews, resume writing and computing classes.

Internet Café
The Centre's volunteer membership are the driving force behind the operation and maintenance of the Centre's web page and Internet Café service. The Internet Café enables job searchers to access employment information and develop their computing skills. Volunteer mentors are available to help people use the computers and run a regular class for a 'men's group' of retrenched workers over 40. For around $5 job searchers can become a member of the Internet Café, which allows them to access the Internet for up to an hour every day for three months. The Internet Café now has 115 members.

Volunteers Giving to the Community
Volunteers at the Centre highlight the supportive atmosphere of the Project as a reason for its acceptance within the Muswellbrook community. One volunteer at the centre who was retrenched after working in an electrical trade for over 30 years, describes the atmosphere as 'like a home'. Some of the Centre's volunteers have experienced the support of the Project firsthand and are now lending their support to others. Brenda, a volunteer at the centre, has an 18 year old son who is one of eight young people who were successful in obtaining a traineeship as a Rigger with Bowers Crane Services with the assistance of the Two Bishops Trust. Brenda said that Josh is 'loving' the work and is obtaining industry accredited 'tickets' as part of his employment.

Industry Consultation Creates Jobs
Phoebe says that the traineeships came about as a result of consultation with industry, which identified a need for people to be trained as Riggers. The Two Bishops Trust was also influential in assisting 15 people to gain employment with the new Big W at Muswellbrook. Through the Two Bishops Trust Muswellbrook project, approximately 85 people have undertaken training. Business partnerships with government and industry have also assisted with entry into the labour market.

The Two Bishops Trust Muswellbrook Project continues to seek opportunities for training and development, and is developing a Volunteer Business Mentoring Service to assist people who are currently involved in, or looking to start a small business. The level of support shown to the Project by volunteers has not gone unnoticed. Phoebe says she has seen an increase in community involvement, coinciding with the development of the Two Bishops Trust Muswellbrook Project.

Outward Bound
Phoebe describes the role of the Project as to "give people the best chance possible to develop pathways to employment". Participation in the Outward Bound Australia Navigator and Challenge courses has helped several young people from the Muswellbrook area to find this pathway in allowing them to participate in challenging activities that build self-confidence and teamwork skills.