Three National Disability Coordination Officers are hitting the road for a 3405km road trip to inspire minds and help people see career and study possibilities in rural and remote Queensland.
The vehicle of choice is a specially-fitted virtual reality bus, which will allow 448 participants to virtually explore different career paths including mining, agriculture, health, construction, horticulture and aquaponics.
After the virtual reality goggles are removed, participants will then receive guidance on local social, education and career services that may help them on a new pathway.
STEPS Group Australia NDCO Debbie Rooskov said the virtual reality element will be the same, but the event will look very different in each community.
“My colleagues and I are currently travelling Western Queensland working with local services to prepare 14 community events that meet local needs. The ideas that have risen will certainly make each community event unique, which is very exciting” Debbie said.
“It’s intended that this event will establish a platform to build future collaborative activities on over the coming years, so this is just the start.”
Queensland NDCOs have partnered with enVizion to offer the virtual reality experience, which normally tours remote and rural Indigenous communities in northern areas of the state.
“We haven’t done anything on this geographical scope before. We’re hoping to see a range of jobseekers, people leaving school, and mature age community members looking for a career change visiting the bus,” Debbie said.
“Many of the communities we’re going to are affected by drought, as well as higher levels of anxiety, mental health issues and youth unemployment.
“We’re wanting to raise aspirations around careers and awareness of support available.
“I think the most exciting part of this project is bringing something new, innovative and targeted to communities that don’t usually get these opportunities,” she said.
The 23-day journey will visit Blackall, Charleville, Cloncurry, Cunnamulla, Hughenden, Longreach, Richmond, Winton, Mt Isa, St George, Woorambina, Charters Towers, Emerald and Roma.
This project received funding from the Australian Government – Building Better Regions Fund – Community stream.
