Northern Futures joined leading community services organisation Meli in 2024 to expand its reach and deepen its impact in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
Born from a 2007 jobs summit, Northern Futures was created to respond to the economic decline caused by the closure of major manufacturers like Ford and International Harvester.
Over 6,000 jobs were lost, leaving communities like Corio and Norlane facing entrenched unemployment and disadvantage.
Today, while Geelong thrives in sectors like health, education, and advanced manufacturing, many in the north remain disconnected from opportunity. Northern Futures exists to change that.
We work with individuals who face complex barriers to employment – low education, long-term welfare dependency, and limited resources.
We deliver intensive case management and individual support
Through partnerships with The Gordon TAFE, Cloverdale Community Centre, and Gen U, we deliver intensive case management and individual support alongside tailored training programs that build skills, confidence, and readiness for work.
At the heart of our model is individual intensive case management embedded within an individual mentoring approach. Our Work & Learning Advisors support each client through every step – from developing their mindset and accessing training to finding employment and exploring future opportunities. This support is transformative – clients begin to believe in themselves and envision a future they hadn’t thought possible.
We shape our programs and provide real job opportunities.
We collaborate with local employers to shape our programs and provide real job opportunities.
This ensures our clients are not only job-ready but welcomed into workplaces that value their contribution.
To date, nearly 2,000 people have completed our programs, gaining qualifications, confidence, and sustainable careers.
100% retention and completion rate
In 2025 we have also had a 100% retention and completion rate which is more than double the average national course completion rate of 47%.
Our approach is grounded in the Bridges out of Poverty framework, which informs how we support personal development and build resilience.
The long-term goal is to expand Northern Futures to offer four tailored learning pathways. These programs will align with regional workforce demands – helping our participants build skills that lead to meaningful, lasting employment.
Our Partners
Our partners know that sustainable communities are built by increasing economic participation and social inclusion.
Supported by
We are thankful for the opportunities for transformation that our industry partners provide individuals within our community.
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