Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie made the announcement with Assistant Employment Minister Luke Hartsuyker at the Hope Shop. Tursa Employment and Training was selected to roll the new program across the region.

Dr Gillespie said the Hope Shop showed the benefits of Work for the Dole.

He pointed to the varied range of activities including warehousing, hospitality, furniture repairs and graphic design.

"In addition to new skills, job seekers have helped to raise funds to support local welfare activities such as a women's refuge, drug and alcohol counselling, emergency relief and emergency housing services," he said.

Mr Hartsuker said the program can be done individually or as a group.

"The Work for the Dole coordinator is there to help interested organisations to develop proposals and to connect job seekers with opportunities," he said.

"Our new Jobactive employment services provide on the ground assistance to ensure that the activity is a success for all parties."

Dr Gillespie said the program helps open doors for job seekers "while at the same time allowing them to give something back to the community that supports them".

The assistant minister encouraged any local community organisation interested in helping local seekers to improve their prospects to contact Tursa.

More information can be found at www.employment.gov.au