Introduction

The Young Workers Advisory Service (YWAS) commenced operations in April 2002 as a Queensland State Government intiative. The state-wide service was aimed at assisting young people under 25 in gaining information, advice, referral and representation on issues relating to their work.

YWAS gratefully acknowledges the support of the Queensland State Government funding through the Department of Industrial Relations

Prior to this the Queensland Working Women's Service Inc (QWWS) supported by a range of community organisations and youth groups had successfully tendered to become the auspicing body for the new service. QWWS has been funded by the Federal and State Governments to operate a similiar service assisting Queensland women since 1995.

Kerriann Dear, Cath Rafferty, and the then Minister for Industrial Relations,
Employment and Training Hon. Gordon Nuttall at the YWAS Opening.

Funding Body

YWAS is a Government-funded community-based service. It is principally funded by the Queensland Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, who provide the basis for the ongoing work of the service. All of the work outlined in the Annual Reports and on this website pertains in some way to the relationship between YWAS and the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations.

Youth Forum at Parliment House in August 2004
Youth Forum - Earning or Learning Conference
at Parliament House in August 2004.

Management

YWAS is managed by the QWWS Management Committee comprised of representatives from a broad range of groups and perspectives. Members of this Committee are stakeholders in issues relating to employment and women's issues and meet on a monthly basis. The YWAS Steering Committee are made up of representatives from youth, community, government and industrial relations organisations to provide strategic direction and guidance to the service. The YWAS Steering Committee meet on a bi-monthly basis. The YWAS coordinator reports the QWWS Director.

Staff

The backbone of community organisations is always from the dedication, loyalty and hard work of its staff, and YWAS is no different. YWAS staff include a Coordinator, two Industrial Officers and support staff. Appointed YWAS Coordinators, - Kerriann Dear 2002 - 2004, Aaron Allegretto 2004 - 2006, Sharon Large - on leave and Deidre Morrow Acting - current.