Hands-on education opportunities at Ngurra Youth Hub

A free 12-week course is now on offer for residents as part of the Ngurra Youth Hub’s community garden project.

Participants will learn new skills such as garden design, concreting and stair building skills as well as receiving their white card (general construction induction card) qualification through TAFE NSW.

Wagga Wagga City Council, the Red Cross and TAFE NSW launched the Ngurra Community Garden project in April, with spaces currently available.

Council’s Social Planning Coordinator Lisa Saffery said combining hands-on skills with a work-ready qualification gives the participants access to new employment opportunities.

“Participants will work with TAFE NSW trainers and learn the fundamentals of garden landscaping,” Ms Saffery said. “This is an exciting opportunity for local people to become part of the project to build the Ngurra Community Garden and contribute to the good work being done at the hub.”

TAFE NSW Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator Mark Cunningham said the course was already helping transform lives.

“This has always been about changing lives in one of our hardest-hit and at-risk communities,” Mr Cunningham said. “The course is hands-on and is a great way to help participants transition into employment or to continue on their training journey with TAFE NSW.”

The free training program is open to anyone and takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm, starting immediately. Catering and equipment are provided on-site.

Anyone interested in joining the program should contact Mr Cunningham on 0438 219 607 or Ngurra Youth Hub Coordinator Tania Jones on 0466 491 431, or drop into the hub at Blakemore Avenue in Ashmont from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 4pm.