A new digital service centre in Yarrabah is up and running, with 16 locals stepping into fresh roles that promise a foot in the door of the digital world. The centre, which opened its doors recently, is handing out paid training and skills to get people job-ready, marking a solid step towards bridging the tech gap in regional Queensland.
The gig starts with 8-12 weeks of pre-employment training, giving the new recruits a crash course in digital know-how. From there, they’ll have a crack at picking up a TAFE Certificate III in either Business or IT, setting them up for long-term work in a field that’s only getting bigger. It’s practical stuff—think data entry, customer service tech, and basic IT chops—designed to fit the bill for today’s job market.
The Yarrabah setup isn’t just about jobs today; it’s laying groundwork for the future. The centre’s community-run, with a handful of local outfits like Wugu Nyambil and TAFE Queensland pitching in to make it happen. It’s already showing promise, with whole families getting involved—some spanning three generations—proving it’s got legs beyond a quick headline.
This isn’t a one-off either. Similar hubs have popped up in Cherbourg and Palm Island, spreading the same deal to other corners of the state. The focus is on getting regional spots up to speed with digital skills, so they’re not left behind as more of life shifts online.
For Yarrabah, it’s a chance to turn local talent into something lasting. With the centre now humming, these 16 new starters are just the beginning—proof that a bit of training and a decent opportunity can go a long way out here.