Chain Valley Bay with a population of 500 is one of a number of small villages situated on and around the foreshores of Lake Macquarie. The demographic centre of this part of the Wyong Shire is Doyalson.

The villages were once home to a prospering fishing industry, which was one of the areas major sources of revenue and employment. In the early 90's this source dried up; the New South Wales Government cancelled, by decree, the licences of all professional fishers operating on Lake Macquarie.

A fresh start

In 1997, Jack Cambourn, a former trade unionist, and Bob Mortlock, a retired tugboat deckhand, had had enough of the doom and gloom they were encountering in their local community. Driven by the desire to re-invigorate the area and encouraged by the 1994 Commonwealth Government's Working Nation Regional Development Program, they established the Working Nation Co-operative. A not-for-profit community based co-operative, Working Nation provides training for unemployed people in selective skills focussed on the needs of the local labour market.

It was a purposeful decision to organise Working Nation as a co-operative. "We wanted an organisation based on ethical and democratic principles, where all members could have their say" said Jack Cambourn. Consultations with the NSW Registry of Co-operatives paved the way for establishing the new organisation, which has proved to be a lifeline for many people in this rather isolated part of the NSW central coast.

Since its inception, more than 2,200 people have undergone training at the co-op's training centre in Doyalson. People of all ages have attended classes, including unemployed youths; housewives wishing to return to work; and workers who lost their jobs through restructuring and were looking for skills sort after in the local job market. Over 50% of trainees are women who have shown a preference for training in computer literacy.

David Moody, Head of Information Technology programs, said that "We are the envy of private accredited training centre's as we attract more students than they do on a publicity budget of zero, we rely on local community papers (some paid advertising), brochures in computer shops, libraries, employment agencies, and word of mouth".

Other courses include: building and construction, home maintenance and improvement, landscaping and paving, welding and carpentry.

There have been major changes to the fishing industry on the Central Coast which for more than a century employed the traditional but environmentally unsustainable method of setting nets. The co-op is addressing these changes by encouraging the fishers to participate in the establishment of aquaculture. Working Nation is affiliated with the Central Coast Aquaculture Foundation, an organisation established to meet those changes.

Community management and financial independence

A 7-member board of community representatives manages WORKING Nation Co-operative. The Chair, Roger Sentance is also treasurer of the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council. He has brought a new dimension to the Board as the land council has considerable social and economic influence in the area.

The co-op received a small government grant of $16,000 when it opened in 1997. Since then it has become self-sufficient and financially independent. Most of its revenue is generated from contracts in the building and construction industries and from fees charged for computer training. The co-op manages a pool of skilled workers and trainees who are contracted out to local business.

The premises for the training centre are provided free-of-charge by Doyalson/Wyee RSL Club. The co-op also receives donations and in-kind contributions such as, computers, and subsidised electricity. Many of the trainers are skilled and experienced retirees who provide their services on a voluntary basis. A small number of qualified staff receive remuneration for their work.

A positive outlook

The co-op is seeking to become a registered training organisation. Once this is achieved, they will be able to offer training and assessment and award national qualifications in accordance with the National Training Framework. Trainees will benefit from increased employment opportunities and employers will gain access to a skilled and qualified workforce.