New Golden Plains Shire jobs under State scheme

TWENTY new six-month fixed term jobs have been created at Golden Plans Shire as part of a State government program.

The roles are fully funded by the State from the Working for Victoria fund and are open to people who are currently out of work.

“The significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and we appreciate that it’s a particularly difficult time to be unemployed,” said mayor Cr Owen Sharkey.

“To those residents who have lost their jobs recently due to the pandemic or have been without work longer, we encourage you to apply for these new positions.”

The employment opportunities are new roles and will not replace existing municipal jobs.

Most of the jobs are in the outdoor works team, however there’s also positions to fill in environmental services, HR and IT.

“We welcome these new employees to join the team at council, completing additional tasks that will benefit our communities including maintenance of local trails, fire hazard reduction works, road maintenance, tree inspections and maintenance of reserves and waterways,” Cr Sharkey said.

The Working for Victoria fund is a State government initiative. So far 43 municipalities have signed up, creating 3300 fixed-term council jobs.

Cr Sharkey was up beat about the Shire’s participation.

“The Working with Victoria program is a fantastic initiative to connect people looking for work with employment at a local council, where they gain full-time work for six months as well as experience in the local government sector,” he said.

The program was created as a response to job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with employment opportunities within municipalities, the $500 million fund has created a total 6700 jobs since April according to a spokesperson.

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Martin Pakula, said the Working with Victoria fund had many benefits.

“This is creating opportunities for people who have lost their job through no fault of their own and providing a crucial community service into the bargain,” he said.

“The work that is being done in these programs is one of the reasons that we have been so successful to date in slowing the spread of coronavirus.”

To check out what jobs are on offer, including those in Golden Plains, visit vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.

The jobs are open to people legally allowed to work in Australia and have recently lost their jobs or casuals who are currently not getting any shifts.