Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts will today present $50,000 new funding to Master Builders Newcastle Group Training Pty Ltd for a Hunter region group training not-for-profit scheme that boosts local apprentice and trainee numbers.

Where: Newcastle Fair Trading Centre, Level 5, 400 Hunter Street Newcastle
When: 1pm

The Minister said the funding would support the ongoing employment of a specialist to liaise with host employers and apprentices in the field.

“Whether it’s work or training issues related to hiring apprentices and trainees, occupational health and safety, or WorkCover related matters faced by builders on site or in dealing with customers, this scheme is helping create jobs and a future for local young people,” he said.

MBA Newcastle Group Training Operations Manager, Brett Lester, welcomed the announcement and said the State Government’s commitment would also help the MBA develop new strategies and promotions to encourage local businesses, builders and contractors to take on apprentices and trainees.

“Young people and school leavers in Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast will benefit from this investment and it helps the MBA ensure well trained tradespeople for the future,” he said.

Mr Roberts, together with the Member for Wyong, Darren Webber, yesterday presented $264,499 annual funding to the Central Coast Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service in Wyong. The service provides free information and advice to thousands of local tenants every year.

Today at 12.10am, the Minister, together with the Member for Charlestown, Andrew Cornwell, will present Eastlake Family Support Service in Gateshead West with $29,419.

The address for the presentation is: 14 Hickory Road Gateshead West.

This service provides free financial counselling, generally face to face, as well as advocacy on behalf of clients with credit providers.

Tomorrow, Friday, together with the Member for Maitland and Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker, the Minister will present the Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project at 1 Arthur Street, Rutherford, with $134,828 funding. This service supports local people suffering financial hardship, as well as providing specialist support for Indigenous people and people for whom English is not their first language.

The Minister said the State Government would continue to invest in the regions and he would continue to work closely with local Members of Parliament to ensure excellence in service delivery and that vulnerable members of the community could find help when they need it.

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