By Jolene Ogle
THE restoration of the much-loved Tait Duke Cottage is almost complete thanks to the hard work of a group of dedicated trainees, local business and tradespeople.
The 98-year-old home was relocated to Earl Street, Tewantin, last year and since then a group of 10 trainees have helped restore the home as well as turn it into a new community hub for the Noosa Shire.
The project has been a joint initiative by Noosa Council, Hutchinson Builders, United Synergies and Noosa Heads Rotary Club, but help from over 25 businesses such as Bunnings, Kennards Hire, Dulux and Gowan Lea has been integral to the renovation’s success.
When the project was first announced, United Synergies received 40 applications for the traineeship with 10 people of different ages and backgrounds chosen to take part in the 18-week renovation project under the supervision of Scott McKenzie.
The Tradie Bunch, as they called themselves, learnt a range of new skills as they restored the home and recently eight of the trainees graduated with a Certificate I in construction.
Trainee Bailey Bosoky said the Tait Duke project proved to be an important turning point for himself and the other trainees.
“The best part of being a trainee on the Tait-Duke project has been working in such a great team with the other trainees and learning so many new on-the-job skills,” Bailey said.
“Our supervisor, Scott Mackenzie, is the best boss I have ever had and genuinely cares about our career progression following our 19-week construction traineeship.”
Six of the graduates have either found employment or started study since completing the traineeship, while United Synergies continues to work with the other two graduates to help develop a clear employment path.
The project is now in its final stages with plumbing, painting and floor installation among the list of things left to do. The Tait Duke Community Cottage is expected to open in February and will serve as a meeting space for community groups as well as a base for a number of community service organisations such as the Red Cross.
Plans are already underway for stage two of the renovation with a submission for funding from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work already submitted by United Synergies.
The works would include extensive landscaping to form a peaceful place for community members to gather and if the funding application is successful, it will be built by 10 new trainees.
The Tait Duke traineeships were just one part of work-skill training offered by United Synergies with the organisation also offering courses to help people aged 15-24 find work.
United Synergies education, employment and enterprise manager Sean Connelly says the organisation holds courses for disengaged youth looking for work or training.
“We don’t say it has to be any industry or hospitality. We look at people’s individual vocational goals and their career aim then help them onto the right path to get there. It’s a great solution for parents, caregivers, local businesses needing skilled workers and for the young people,” he said.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the United Synergies training programs can phone United Synergies on 5442 4277.
