Six Continents Hotels is currently training 15 Indigenous jobseekers from the Northern Territory and Queensland in a range of Hospitality and Touring positions as part of the Kakadu Tourism � Indigenous Employment Program which commenced on 4 February, 2002.

The Indigenous Employment Program is an initiative of Kakadu Tourism in partnership with Indigenous Business Australia and the Gagudju Association, joint owners of the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn and Gagudju Lodge Cooinda on Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park.

As the Management Group for these two hotels, Six Continents Hotels has been involved for more than two years in management of the Kakadu Tourism Training Program through the provision of accredited training courses in hospitality and tour guiding.

�Six Continents Hotels recognises that in order to implement long-term employment strategies for Indigenous Australians, suitable training programs need to be established. To date, this program has proven effective in providing that structure,� said Phil Lee, Chief Operating Officer, Six Continents Hotels, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.

The 15 Indigenous applicants commenced training on 4 February with ten undertaking the nationally recognised Certificate in Hospitality and five taking on the Tour Guide Certificate, both to be completed over a 12 week period.

The certificate in hospitality exposed the trainees to a range of positions including housekeeping, front office reception, portering, maintenance, gardening, food and beverage attendance and retail shop servicing.

The remaining five trainees will be based at Gagudju Lodge Cooinda where they will actively participate in many guided tours conducted in surrounding areas.

All the trainees will complete their traineeship in late April in time for the start of the busy dry season recruitment. �It is the intention of Six Continents Hotels to accommodate all graduates in on-going full time positions. Where this is not possible, graduates will be offered either part-time or casual positions until a full time position becomes available,� said Phil Lee.

�Indigenous Australians make up a crucial part of the culture of our Northern Territory properties and this program demonstrates our strong commitment to this area,� Phil Lee added.

The Indigenous Employment Program is funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

ENDS MEDIA INFORMATION Luke Starr or Jane Morey Prue MacSween & Associates (+61 2) 9327 4333