Learn Earn Legend Forum – Brisbane 13 th – 15 th of September 2010

1. Learn Earn Legend Forum – Brisbane 13th – 15th of September 2010 Indigenous Mentoring Program Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

2. SHORT HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM Background – For some time the DISCO organisation had observed a high percentage of Indigenous young people struggling to make a connection to programs run by DISCO. This was contributing to poor participation rates and a high proportion of Indigenous young people prematurely leaving our programs and this has also been identified in schools. Consequently our organisation sought support from an Indigenous man, Alfred Orcher. Alfred proposed the commencement of a mentoring program open to both Indigenous and Non Indigenous Australians. Young people targeted were undertaking the Youth Connections and Get Set for Work program were encouraged to participate. This started in 2010 after a trial in 2009. Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

3. Before we get started a brief history on DISCO.. Commencing in 1997 the Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, youth organisation working in partnership with schools and industry. With funding from the State and Commonwealth delivering multiple programs, its objective is to work with young people to link students or clients to support or career and transition advice and create opportunities for young people to complete their education and possibly meet employers to gain experience or possible school-based or more permanent employment. Importantly, schools can benefit from DISCO’s extensive industry contacts and employers can use the program to support their current and future human resource requirements. DISCO is managed by a Management Committee supported by ordinary members from education and industry, ensuring all parts of the community are consulted on how the organisation can most suitably serve communities including Toowoomba, Roma, Dalby and the inner Darling Downs communities. Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

4. Programs Delivered • Commonwealth: • Youth Connections – 2010 -11 • State: • Get Set for Work – 2010 – 12 • Youth Support Coordinator – 2009 - 10 • Employment Assistance Program – 2010 – 12 • Access to Pathways Funding – 2010 - 11 Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

5. Alfred Orcher - Background • Born 21/12/79 – Brewarrina, New South Wales • Left school - 1995 • First job linked to a Landcare Program through Centrelink • While undertaking this opportunity he worked in a Take Away Shop – Part time • In 1996 commenced a Building Apprenticeship • In 2000 joined Queensland Health • Worked in a number of divisions including: • Transport division • In the Office • Health Worker (commenced training – 12 months) • Worked in Indigenous Health • Immunisation • ATODS • Hospital Liaison • Currently in ATODS area Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

6. What is unique about what Alfred does? • He uses his life experiences as a base for his teachings • He is still quite young and is seen as ‘in touch’ with contemporary Indigenous and youth issues • His past health challenges (diabetes) allow him to speak ‘from experience’ • He’s a good ‘story teller’ and can paint a verbal picture well • He doesn’t preach but ‘sells rather than tells’ as a base for considering change or suggesting alternatives • He has an ‘accepting’ attitude to everyone • Can be ‘funny’ but is serious about serious issues • Is a true mentor and a very good listener • Is very much an Indigenous person but sees himself as an Aussie through and through (loves sport, a BBQ, a joke etc) and this is a big part of the platform from which he works to bring people together • He’s good at simply being a ‘mate’ Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

7. ‘Connecting’ with Clients • Alfred believes strongly in getting young people to ‘connect’ and develop a level of trust with him and what he is doing. This impacts on: • Attendance (Clients come to understand that the environment is welcoming and safe…. They like coming and want to be in the group. You can’t help them if they don’t turn up!) • Genuine Interest (You need to be genuine in finding out how they are going. What are their challenges? How or can we help?) • Undertake real Listening (Too often we think were listening when we are trying to work out a solution or offer an opinion. Need to focus on the listening and get the real story) • Acknowledge their Success / Assist them with their Challenges (Many young people do not have people that they can share successes or challenges with. Celebrate success, offer support for challenges) • Be a genuine Role Model 24/7 (Role models need to demonstrate that they are true to their beliefs all the time. Young people will often try to be like us and this means they will copy our actions….. good and bad) Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

8. ‘Connecting’ with Clients (Cont) • Don’t Judge (As someone looking to build a relationship its important not to let your own opinion slip as this may undo the work of getting the young person to open up and speak about themselves or their situation) • Use your Life Experiences (Many young people feel that if you identify as being a success / Have a job etc that you won’t understand your OK or lucky and you might not understand. Share your challenges and your history as this proves you have had to work for what you have and it hasn’t always been easy) • Be true to your convictions / Don’t let them down (At times young people have been let down by adults. You need to work very hard to build their belief in you. Sometimes it will be tested and you need to come through so they know your sincere) • Encourage Clients to Support other Clients (Pay it Forward) (Alfred feels that one person can influence one person at a time. Clients who have been assisted by the program are encouraged to help others and either support them or bring them to the group so they can be supported) Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

9. ACTIVITIES • Alfred believes that the range and scope of activities undertaken as part of the Indigenous Mentoring Group is key to maintaining interest and participation. Learning should be fun as this really helps everyone get involved and have a good time doing it. Some of the activities the group is involved include: • Community visits (Hospital, Centrelink, Op Shops etc) • Sporting activities (Soccer, Rugby League, Basketball etc) • Games (Board games, Career games etc) • Yarning (Talking about all sorts of topics relevant to young people at the time) • Cooking (Working with bush foods and Indigenous meats including crocodile, emu and kangaroo) • Career Information (Discussing what different jobs are out there and visiting organisations to gain an insight into different job roles and occupations available in the region) • Linking clients with other DISCO staff for mentoring benefits (This allows positive work undertaken by Alfred to be supported by other staff) Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

10. What has been Achieved to Date? • More consideration about the future • More interest in supporting ‘family’ • Greater interest in culture and heritage • Unexpected integration of Indigenous and Non Indigenous kids • Open discussions about poor decisions e.g. crime, abuse etc • Disclosure of heritage • Greater teamwork • Seeking approval • Improved trust • Redefining success • Improved attendance • Goal setting Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

11. So why does it work so well? Primarily because it’s not prescriptive and doesn’t have specific objectives or expectations. We allow Alfred, as a support partner, to develop the group (each group is different) in its own organic way and this ensures that it delivers real support and value to the participants that is right for them. The key, we believe, is very much the leader of the group. We are fortunate to have someone involved who feels privileged to do what he does and young people can tell the difference with someone who wants to do it and has to do it. Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)

12. Contacts Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO) Ph: 07 4638 3088 E-mail: info@disco.org.au Web: disco.org.au To reach Alfred he can be contacted via the James St DISCO office on 07 4632 9065 Questions?????????? DISCO……..‘Partnering schools, linking with business supporting youth’ Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO)