Matt Hewson
The northern suburbs community will still have access to trusted employment service Northern Futures thanks to intervention by not-for-profit organisation Meli.
Meli and Northern Futures announced last Friday the Norlane-based program would become part of the larger organisation, with all staff and programs to continue without disruption.
The future of the employment service was in doubt after its state government funding was pulled in last year’s budget.
After appealing to businesses and the community, Northern Futures managed to conduct a fundraising campaign at the start of this year that covered the $200,000 shortfall in its 2023-24 budget, keeping its doors open until July.
Northern Futures chief executive Andrew Palmer said joining Meli was “the best outcome that we could have hoped for”.
“I’m extremely pleased, I think ‘delighted’ is a great word to use,” he said.
“If you had told me 12 months ago that we would have a solution where, despite no ongoing government funding, all staff would have jobs, all programs would continue as usual and we would be able to stay in the same building in our place-based delivery model in Norlane, I don’t think I would have believed that was possible.
“It’s a bit ironic really. When we talk about how we support people experiencing multiple barriers to employment and disadvantage, we talk about how survival thinking really limits you. Even if you’re doing your best and trying your hardest, you’re just really stuck.
“Northern Futures was experiencing that as an organisation. So now this change means that’s lifted and we’re able to start building and looking to the future again.”
Mr Palmer said the outcome may not have happened if not for the continued, behind-the-scenes advocacy of local members Christine Couzens, Ella George and Richard Marles, which was a significant factor in Northern Futures being able to retain two large government contracts.
Meli chief executive Grant Boyd said incorporating Northern Futures would build on the positive outcomes already achieved and provide a foundation for better outcomes going forward.
“Bringing Northern Futures and Meli together will enable a firm foundation from which to build new and even more effective approaches to services aligned with Meli’s purpose which is supporting people, strengthening communities,” Mr Boyd said.
“Sustainable communities are built by increasing economic participation and social inclusion, and we all have a role to play in achieving that for our community.”
