Karina Cusbert turned to Yarrabilba’s employment service, The Exchange, when she struggled to find night work after moving to area.
The former nurse, who moved from Coffs Harbour to reside at Yarrabilba in November, said she was open to work in any field as long as it gave her freedom with her children.
Within weeks, after contacting The Exchange, she was employed as a cleaner with a company close to home.
“I am a stay at home mum and really needed a job which worked around that,” she said.
“I clean all the time anyway, with the kids and all, so it really worked out well when they called me back with the offer.”
Mrs Cusbert – who met with groups involved with The Exchange at a morning tea on February 14 – has been one of at least 60 people who have approached the service since it opened at Yarrabilba in December.
The Exchange, put together by Lend Lease and Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), was designed to bring together employment agencies, businesses, social enterprises and community groups.
Access Community Services consultant John Perry – who worked under an umbrella group at The Exchange – believed the service had already helped to attract new business and residents to the area.
“It’s an attraction to employers to know that there is a local workforce and it goes the same way for potential employees looking for work close to home,” he said.
“Having the right person for the job who also lives nearby is a bonus because it’s convenient for both the employer and the employee.”
Mr Perry said consultants at The Exchange aimed to build and grow the service as the region expanded.
He added the service would eventually cater to up to 50,000 people living in the area in the next 30 years.
“We’re really looking to develop The Exchange over the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.
“The unemployment rate in Logan has dropped recently and is marginally above the state average, so it’s important to us to keep it that way and help new residents find work – especially if they have never lived in the area before and need a hand – and fit employers with suitable employees.”
Residents looking to contact The Exchange can phone 3123 4209 or walk into the Yarrabilba office on Shaw Street, Yarrabilba.
