Emma Pritchard

Along with dozens of sizzling sausages, the team at Headspace Grafton were also serving plenty of enthusiasm and encouragement last week as they spent the morning speaking with local business owners during a free community event on March 20.

Humorously titled ‘Snags and Chin Wags’, it was an opportunity for industry representatives to learn of the various skills, talents, and attributions of Clarence Valley youths aged 12-25 associated with the not-for-profit organisation, and how their participation in the Work and Study Program can open new career pathways and help local businesses attain new employees.

Supervisor of the Work and Study Program at Headspace Grafton Alyson Kavanagh said upwards of 15 people representing local businesses attended the event between 7-9am last week, and revealed reliability and a strong work ethic were among the key components high on the priority lists of business owners and managers when it came to seeking new staff.

With the Clarence Valley currently recording a youth unemployment rate of 4.8 percent, above the 3.8 percent state average according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and 2024 Parliament Electorate Data, Ms Kavanagh said the team at Headspace Grafton is committed to exploring every option to help lower those figures.

“We’re all keen to get local youth unemployment numbers down, and we know employment helps people with their mental health as it gives them responsibility and a purpose,” she explained.

“The feedback we have received for this event has been really great, and a lot of people who came said they like the idea of the program we offer and the support we provide.

“We’re possibly looking at hosting similar events in the future, so watch this space.”

Ms Kavanagh also extended her appreciation to local business owners who took the time to complete a survey with Headspace Grafton during the event, adding she is looking forward to working closely with them to offer local youths employment opportunities within the region.