The natural disasters in Queensland will have significant economic and labour market impacts in affected communities, reducing the capacity of many businesses and community organisations to retain employees and volunteers. Previous experience by governments in responding to natural disasters has shown that employment and skills are critical to the rebuilding process. 
The 2011 Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills Package aims to assist approximately 10,000 Queenslanders by investing $83 million in skills and employment strategies to mitigate skills and job losses, support community retention and address emergent skills shortages resulting from these recent natural disasters.
The JSDO role will work with Queensland Sporting, Fitness and Recreation organisations affected by the 2010 Yasi Cyclone and
December – February Queensland floods still requiring support to be fully operational. Many of the affected organisations have lost not only infrastructure, but the human faces of their organisations, the paid and unpaid workers. Over the coming months our JSDO will be establishing networks and planning visits to key areas identified as the highest priority of need and working to rebuild these communities through the 2011 Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills package.
Whilst the role does not have direct funding to offer these organisations, the JSDO will provide support and advice through linkages to programs on offer from the three levels of government to both the organisation and local Councils.
You can contact Deb Crompton for further information on 07 3367 0833 or email deb@skillsalliance.com.au