MEDIA RELEASE

March 2019

BORAL AND KNAUF SUPPORT INDIGENOUS YOUTH PROGRAM

Boral and Knauf have used the strength of the joint venture to collaborate on a diversion program for disengaged Indigenous youths.

Launched in November 2018, First Steps is an Indigenous program based in Darwin. An initiative developed by local Indigenous Community and Elders, the program aims to help young men and women from the community who are currently affected by the justice system. Focused on developing practical skills through formal training, First Steps is currently being trialled for six months with funding from the Department of Education.

Knauf provided plasterboard wall and ceiling materials and associated products for the building and mechanical training program, with 10 participants working together to build a training room and crib room to assist the group with future projects.

According to Vince Scarcella, Boral Indigenous affairs manager, “This opportunity came to Boral through its long-term customer RUSCA Brothers Services (Civil). As funding only goes so far, RUSCA approached Boral and Knauf for the donation of building products.

“Indigenous youth are one of the most vulnerable groups in Australia and businesses need to be part of the solution to change this. Boral is also hoping to increase its Indigenous recruitment using graduates from this program in a region which typically is a challenging area to find employees,” commented Scarcella.

“We are also working on the opportunity of a Boral site visit for students who have shown diligence, and successfully completed and embraced the program.  It is a great Indigenous support program with real outcomes and real benefits directly to the community.” 

For media queries, please contact:

Roberta Marcroft or Rachel Thomas, Write Away Communication

+61 2 9978 1400, roberta@writeaway.com.au, rachel_thomas@writeaway.com.au