A program aimed at helping vulnerable young Indigenous Australians in Tasmania is proving successful in placing them in employment and training and keeping them out of the juvenile justice system.

The Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, has released details of the Whitelion Tasmania project during a visit to the organisation’s Hobart offices today.

“Organisations like Whitelion help vulnerable young people reconnect with the community and build positive lives,” Ms Collins said.

“The Australian Government is investing $977,000 in three Whitelion projects in Tasmania under the Indigenous Employment Program.

“The projects consist of individually tailored pre-employment training and mentoring activities and the results are already encouraging.

“Whitelion has already placed 16 participants into employment and in all 80 young Indigenous people are receiving specialist services to help them build positive lives for themselves,” Ms Collins said.

Whitelion’s focus is on assisting Indigenous youth who have experienced or are at risk of contact with the youth justice system.

Ms Collins’ visit included an art display of sketches and Aboriginal dot paintings from participants in Whitelion’s Mentoring program.

“Some members of the Indigenous Employment Program who helped to organise today’s event are using the experience as part of their pre-employment training,” Ms Collins said.

For more information on the Indigenous Employment Program, visit: www.deewr.gov.au/iep.