Access Community Group is a not for profit community development organisation located in the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands NSW.
Access Community Group (ACG) has been delivering high quality federally, state and locally funded programs in the Illawarra for over 23 years. ACG’s vision is to work with the community to build and encourage social and environmental sustainability across the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands. We are a not for profit charity whose main focus is community development and social justice.
ACG has a strong history of delivering specialist individualised support services, case management services, participation and engagement programs, skills development courses, career advice support, employment supports and training to the most disengaged or disadvantaged groups in the community.
YOUTH
YOUTH CONNECTIONS is a youth engagement and case management support program aimed at supporting young people between the ages of 11 to 19, who are at risk of disengaging or who have disengaged from education to make a smooth transition through school or from school to an alternative pathway. ACG delivers this program across the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands.
The SMASH UP DERBY PROJECT is a practical skills development alternative education program which is delivered in partnership with The Smith Family, Danics Auto and Tyre Centre, Wilson’s Holden, Uracoa Smash Repair, Street Wise Safety Specialists. This program allows ten young people from the Shellharbour region the opportunity to complete hands on mechanical and spray painting training with two of the regions’ most successful local businesses.
The DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (Specialist Youth Service) is for young people with a diagnosed Mental Health Issue or Cognitive Impairment, who are at risk of not making a smooth transition into employment.
ACCESS ALL AREAS (AAA) is a youth mentoring program incorporating practical training & life skills program for young people aged 13-18 that have been engaged in the Juvenile Justice system; are at risk of becoming connected with the Juvenile Justice System; or who are disengaging from mainstream education. This program runs every Friday.
The FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (FACE) Program is an engagement and participation program focused on the development of participatory supports and activities for children aged 8-12; young people aged 12-19; and their families living in the Shellharbour region.
The YOUTH ACCESS PAGE- LAKE TIME PROGRAM is a direct support and engagement program for children and young people between the ages of 8-12 and 12-19 to offer their opinions, feelings and experiences about activities, programs and events that run in the Shellharbour region.
EMPLOYMENT
The DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (Specialist Mental Health) focuses on one to one case management with clients (adults) that have mental health issues, with a focus on gaining sustainable employment/training.
The SMART RECOVERY PROGRAM is a group based focus group providing direct supports and education about overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. This program encourages the development of life and self care skills to address the complex needs of people experiencing drug and alcohol dependence.
Volunteering and mentoring is a big part of ACG culture. The ACCESS MENTORING PROGRAM is a program linking volunteer community member’s with ‘at risk’ young people; promoting the development of relationships which focus on the strengths and achievements of young people to support them to attain their goals.
The WORK DEVELOPMENT ORDER PROGRAM allows participants of all our services to ‘work off’ any fines they have that impact on their capacity to successfully participate in the community, or to transition into education or employment.
TRAINING
ACG has been a Registered Training Organisations for over 20 years. Under our current scope we are able to deliver accredited training in Business Administration, Retail, Financial Services, Land Care and Conservation Management and Information Technology. We are a member of Jobs Australia and Job Futures and can also deliver accredited qualifications under their scope.
The AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIPS ACCESS PROGRAM is an employment assistance training service aimed at providing intensive pre-employment training and support to people wishing to enter an apprenticeship, traineeship or permanent employment position. This program identifies skills shortage areas and works closely with employers to identify the basic skills required by participants to allow them to successfully transition into an employment position, and to maintain this employment over time.
Fee for Service Courses include Resume Writing and Job Applications, Job Search (A how to), Computer Applications for Beginner, Financial Management 101, Customer Service and Retail Certificate III, Community Services, Mental Health First Aid, Permaculture Principles and Permaculture for Every Garden. For more information on any of our training courses, contact Shantele Tait on 0400 264 732.
EVENTS
ACG in partnership with the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce has previously hosted SPRING INTO CORRIMAL for 3 years. Over 30,000 people attended which included a street parade led by a smoking ceremony, live music, food and other entertainment, and a cultural hub which provided diverse activities for young people in the community.