Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the Clarence Valley are being encouraged to participate in the Momentum Program.
A collaboration between Real Futures, Pathfinders, and ACE Community Colleges, the program is funded by the NSW Government and is designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in North East NSW with birth certificate applications, assistance to attend driving lessons to obtain a driver’s license, to sustain employment, and advance their wellbeing.
The Momentum Program is free to join, and two sign-up events are scheduled to take place in Grafton over the coming weeks.
The first will be held on Tuesday, March 14, at the Gurehlgram Corporation, 18-26 Victoria Street, between 9:30am and 3pm.
The second will be held on Wednesday, March 15, at the South Grafton Aboriginal Land Council, 50 Wharf Street, South Grafton, between 10am and 2pm.
To be eligible for the Momentum Program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be aged 16 to 55, not have a birth certificate or hold a driver’s license, and are currently unemployed.
Applicants are encouraged to bring any ID they presently hold including a Medicare or health care card, Certificate of Aboriginality, student ID card, or pension card.
A Spokesperson for Pathfinders said this is the first time the Momentum Program is being opened to Clarence Valley residents who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and they are encouraging eligible applicants to attend later this month.
“The beauty of this program is it is simplified,” they said.
“People from all services will be available, and this is a great opportunity for people to come and meet the team.
“It’s a step-by-step program.”
The spokesperson said the Momentum Program allows staff to stay with successful applicants throughout the process of securing their individual documentation.
The spokesperson also confirmed the Momentum Program will be opened in Yamba at a yet to be confirmed date.
The Clarence Valley Independent will publish further information in an upcoming edition once it becomes available.