The Worn Gundidj work programs

The work programs undertaken by Worn Gundidj include three horticultural programs. One is devoted to the germination of native trees; the second concentrates on potted plants, both exotic and indigenous ornamental species. These are used to fill contracts with supermarkets and variety store outlets. The third program focuses on using the native trees and plants propagated on site to fill revegetation contracts—what Worn Gundidj calls Environmental Services. These work programs offer opportunities for participants to undertake a TAFE accredited horticulture course (Level II) or a horticulture apprenticeship. There are currently two participants undertaking horticulture apprenticeships at Worn Gundidj, and eight participants in accredited traineeships.

Worn Gundidj also has a carpentry program that undertakes private contracts, and maintenance around Worn Gundidj. This program offers participants either a place to undertake a carpentry apprenticeship, or basic training in building skills. Another work program is in textiles, and this stream of work can, like the horticulture, be combined with TAFE study in an accredited textile and screen-printing course. Here participants can learn the basics of dyeing, printing, assembling and designing for fabrics, and this work program allows artistic skills and culturally relevant design to flourish in a work environment. The final work program is a garden maintenance program which offers rubbish collection and gardening work in the local area.