MobReady are the successful recipient of the Client Experience Initiative (CEI) funding for 2024–2025.
The CEI grant supports an initiative that addresses a housing and social need, delivering positive outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities over 12 to 15 months. MobReady will lead an initiative that aims to help Aboriginal people exiting custody to access holistic support, guiding them toward employment and new career opportunities. The initiative, based in western Sydney with scope for expansion, will equip participants with essential tools to maintain a rental property and sustain their housing journey.
MobReady drives authentic change by equipping Aboriginal people with the skills and resources to secure employment opportunities and financial independence. As an Aboriginal owned and managed organisation that supports Aboriginal people with traineeships and apprenticeships, MobReady helps bridge the gap between Aboriginal job seekers and suitable organisations. The pre-employment program will see MobReady support Aboriginal people to connect to job opportunities, employment training and cultural mentoring.
“The AHO’s CEI program enables Aboriginal organisations to identify a local need and demonstrates the effectiveness of locally based support systems for the communities we work with,” said Famey Williams, AHO Chief Executive.
“MobReady are excited to be collaborating with both AHO and the Mob in Western Sydney to co-design a program that is set to change the lives of our Mob who need it most. This program is something we hold quite close to our hearts at MobReady and cannot wait to pilot the initiative. With extensive personal and professional experience connecting to this program, our team cannot wait to impact real change within our communities. For us, this pilot is about setting foundations, breaking cycles and building our communities”, said Justin Biles, Head of Operations at MobReady.
MobReady was founded in 2022 by Aunty Priscilla and Uncle Todd Mason (proud Worimi people) and their long-term friend, Greg Barnes, with the three bringing together their industry expertise to create culturally informed employment services that lead to meaningful employment opportunities for Aboriginal job seekers.
The AHO’s Strong Family, Strong Communities (SFSC) strategy supports better outcomes with Aboriginal people and families by facilitating partnerships across human services agencies, Aboriginal organisations and creating opportunities for economic participation.
CEI is part of SFSC and delivers a new service model for collaborating with Aboriginal organisations to lead on initiatives that are Aboriginal-led and address local needs identified by the community.
CEI project funding is $150,000 over 12 to 15 months. The CEI evaluation panel assessed competitive EOIs from across NSW and thanks all Aboriginal organisations who submitted applications.
About MobReady’s project
Over 2024 – 2025 MobReady’s initiative will strengthen community networks and work closely with Liverpool Community Corrections centre to embed culturally-safe principles supporting Aboriginal people exiting custody to thrive. MobReady will employ a full-time mentor to facilitate individual training and empower participants to become ‘job ready’ through mentoring.
Based in western Sydney, training and mentoring will be delivered in small local group environments with community leaders to foster networking and encourage positive relationship building. The three project groups will be based in western Sydney and strengthen engagement with local Aboriginal leaders in the area. MobReady will work closely with key community groups and organisations such as Link-Up NSW, Youth Justice, Kinchela Boys Home, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and local employment services to support participants to remain connected to their culture.
MobReady will demonstrate the value of implementing this innovative mentoring and employment program that will instill fundamental work-ready skills and enhance confidence in Aboriginal people exiting custody to redirect their future onto a new path and reduce reoffending.
