Last Monday (November 17) branch manager for Labour Market Research and Analysis, Ivan Neville, delivered a presentation on the current challenges and opportunities facing the Cessnock LGA.

The presentation was organised by the Cessnock Learning and Employment Options (CLEO) group and attended by more than 60 community members representing local schools, vocational training, employment services and businesses. 

According to Mr. Neville, Cessnock currently has an unemployment rate of 8.3 per cent and rising, with almost a third of unemployed people jobless for more than a year and 26 per cent reliant on income support payments.

The research also revealed that in the areas’ youth demographic, 20 per cent of 18-24 years-olds are neither working or studying, with approximately 2130 children living in homes where no parent goes to work. 

Mr. Neville also pointed out a trend between youth unemployment and the areas mining history. 

“One thing that stands out for me in this community is that there seems to be an over-reliance on mining,” he said. 

“The fact is that very few people get a job in mining when they leave school. 

“There is a direct link between education level, job prospects and level of income.”

CLEO chairperson Barry Miller said that while the information is nothing short of confronting, now is the time to try and turn these statistics around. 

“No one is to blame for these figures,” he said.

“They result from a range of factors both within and outside our community. 

“In reality, no one wants to make an existence for their family on income support.

“Every single person who gets up in the morning wants to better their situation, and our job in CLEO is to help people gain the tools to do this. 

“By far the best tool is a good education, it gives you options.”

In Cessnock, 44 per cent of 25-35 year olds have completed their HSC compared to 75 per cent for NSW, with only 10 per cent having completed a bachelor degree or higher compared to 37 per cent state wide. 

The research also revealed concerning statistics for the areas indigenous demographic, with youth disengagement amongst Aboriginal children in Cessnock approximately double that of non-Indigenous, with a HSC completion rate of only 33 per cent. 

Cessnock Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) president Sonia Sharpe said that the presentation should serve as a big wake up call for the local community. 

“It is pretty clear from this information that there is still something missing,” she said.

“Something is clearly not working.

“It was a big shock to see those numbers and it definitely doesn’t make for good reading.

“But now we have this information we need to look at how we can use it.

“With the right funding hopefully we can introduce some new programs to help break this cycle.

“We need to get to the crux of the problem.”

Mr. Miller said that now more than ever, local providers in education, employment and training need to work closely together to address the issues.

“What we are talking about here is social change, and in order to achieve this we need ownership in the community, and at all levels of government,” he said. 

Imagine a future in Cessnock with education levels above state averages. 

“Rather than focussing on the negatives, as a community we can achieve a culture of learning, aspiration and achievement. 

“What an amazing legacy this would be for future generations.”

The next CLEO meeting will be held on Monday, December 1 from 8.30am at Cessnock TAFE, room GG12.

For more information or to register your attendance, email Janette Jackson at jj4211@bigpond.com.