Attention: Ms S Linke

The Institution of Engineers, Australia

South Australia Division

11 Bagot Street

NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006

Dear Ms Linke

The Playford Partnership is a whole of government (agency) approach to achieve the revitalisation of the City of Playford, which has been in severe social decline for a number of decades. The model is a clear recognition that a joint approach by all agencies to the planning and provision of services would be far more effective than each other continuing to provide services in an uncoordinated manner. The partnership provides an opportunity to link together growing local and regional industry and employment opportunities to the education, training, employment and health needs of the community.

The Northern Adelaide region has a significantly high level of technology based employment precincts with employers experiencing growth. The problem lies in that our local young people are not being trained in a way that meets the requirements of our local industry. The Playford Partnership is working with organisations like Holden and Defence to provide the linkages between our employers and potential employees to ensure that our industry has a local workforce.

Another key problem is that the young people are not engaged in projects that are relevant and interesting to them. This has resulted in an extremely high level of unemployment for our young people especially in the 15-19 year olds where unemployment is averaging 30%.

Programs such as the UniSA peer mentoring program are vital to the successful revitalisation of our region. The key to our future is in our young people, providing them with opportunities to reach their potential and enjoy fulfilling career and lifestyle opportunities. The schools in this region are very limited with their resources, finding it difficult to implement new programs without assistance. The peer mentoring program will provide our schools with the necessary skills and motivation for the teachers to undertake programs which are traditionally not in the curriculum.

Should you wish to clarify any of the above or seek further information, please do not hesitate to contact me on telephone number 0417 842 217.