A diversion program for disengaged Indigenous youth was launched by Boral and USG Boral in November 2018.

First Steps, an initiative developed by local Darwin Indigenous Community and Elders, aims to help young men and women in the community who are currently affected by the justice system.

Focused on developing practical skills through formal training, First Steps is currently being trialled for six months with funding from the Department of Education.

USG Boral provided plasterboard wall and ceiling materials and associated products for the building and mechanical training program, with 10 participants working together to build a training room and crib room to assist the group with future projects.

Boral Indigenous affairs manager Vince Scarcella says the opportunity was provided through RUSCA Brothers Services (Civil) who approached Boral and USG Boral for the donation of building products.

“Indigenous youth are one of the most vulnerable groups in Australia and businesses need to be part of the solution to change this. Boral is also hoping to increase its Indigenous recruitment using graduates from this program in a region which typically is a challenging area to find employees,” commented Vince.

“We are also working on the opportunity of a Boral site visit for students who have shown diligence, and successfully completed and embraced the program.  It is a great Indigenous support program with real outcomes and real benefits directly to the community,” he says.  

For more information about USG Boral visit www.usgboral.com