Work for the Dole is an initiative to help people improve their work prospects and to demonstrate their current skills, such as working as part of a team, working unsupervised and communication or motivational skills. This is done as part of your Mutual Obligation.

If you are a job seeker and receiving Centrelink unemployment benefits, you may be referred through Centrelink to a Community Work Coordinator (CWC). You will visit the CWC who then informs you of the different Work for the Dole options you have. There is usually something there for everyone to do.

The activity goes for a period of 6 months. If you don't complete the activity, fail to start the activity or if you don't show up to the activity for more than three (3) days, your payment could be reduced or even stopped by Centrelink.

The type of Work for the Dole activity options will depend on what activities are available in your area. Some of these activities are Heritage, History, The Environment and Community Care. You can find out more information on the touch screens at Centrelink or check out their web site www.centrelink.gov.au or by visiting www.jobsearch.gov.au and following the links.