A KOORALBYN woman who graduated from the Green Army recently has praised the program for giving her new confidence, skills and independence.
Oasis Langtree, 21, was one of 11 young people to graduate from the federally funded training and employment program after six months of planting trees and clearing weeds across Scenic Rim.
Katisha Cordingley, Moana Pearce, Jozeph Pearce, Kimberly Armstrong, Tymeka Mircic, Bethany Attwood, Rio Fairhurst, Anthony Hope, Ridge McKay and Courtney Currie also graduated from the Green Army.
Together, they planted 10,475 trees and did 10 hectares of weed treatment and eight hectares of site preparation in the region.
Ms Langtree, who is studying building design through distance education, said the program was an opportunity to build her skills and pursue financial independence.
“I was sick of getting Centrelink and I wanted to be independent and, because there are virtually no jobs in Kooralbyn, I saw this as a good opportunity to do that,” she said.
“It’s great because it got me out of my comfort zone and helped me with my confidence, self-esteem and networking skills.
“Now I have a sense of pride because I can come back and say ‘I planted that tree’ and I can use the links I’ve made and the things I’ve learned about the environment and sustainability as I work towards a job in building design.”
Ms Langtree will continue to build her skills through another six month stint with the Green Army.
Wright MP Scott Buchholz, who presented Ms Langtree and her fellow graduates with their certificates in a ceremony at Moriarty Park on Thursday, February 18, thanked them for their work.
“On behalf of the community, the federal government and the council I applaud these graduates for all they’ve done for the community through the Green Army,” he said.
“Every drop of sweat they’ve given will be remembered and every tree which grows at these sites will be their legacy – they’ve done a great service to the region and I thank them for that.
“I wish them all the best in their future endeavours – whether they are continuing on in the next round of the program or going onto other training, education or employment opportunities I know what they’ve learned through being in the Green Army will hold them in good stead.”
For more information about joining the Green Army visit www.australia.gov.au/greenarmy
