New jobs announced across the state

IN response to the State’s recent economic downturn, three thousand more jobs are set to be created as a part of a Victorian government employment package.

The announcement is part of a $500 million initiative called Working for Victoria and aimed at helping those impacted by the bushfires and COVID-19.

Since its inception, Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford said the program has helped 8500 people find new jobs across Victoria.

“We work with community organisations, local councils, multi-cultural organisations and youth services to provide pathways to work for people who have found themselves out of work due to the dramatic shift in economic activity in recent months,” she said.

“There has been a surge in demand for critical services, so Working for Victoria is about matching people who are needing new work opportunities with areas of demand in front line response.”

At the height of the pandemic, Kitti Pak Smith lost her cleaning job at the RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick.

She registered for a job on the Working for Victoria Sidekicker platform and was thrilled when she was offered cleaning work at Ballarat Work and Learning Centre.

“I was so happy because I get to help the centre keep its facilities clean, which is even more important during this coronavirus time,” Ms Pak Smith said. “This job has helped me pay the rent, bills and look after my family.

After leaving the workforce to have children Ballarat resident Donna Tucker returned to study a bachelor of human and community services.

Towards the end of her degree she found herself daunted by the job industry considering her 10-year gap in her resume and the economic situation due to COVID-19.

After completing her final placement at Ballarat’s WLC, she was also encouraged to register for the Sidekicker program.

“I was stoked when the role of being a jobs adviser came up,” Ms Tucker said.

“Now, I’m a work force development officer with the centre and I feel like I’m a role model to my kids.

“Through this opportunity to work in the public sector, I’m grateful to be doing something that benefits the whole community.”

Ms Pulford also put out a call for both employers and unemployed residents to reach out.

“If you are an employer in an industry that is struggling to find people for work or are someone short of work or out of work, please register on the Sidekicker platform,” she said.

“The program was initially funded for $500 million but as the Premier and the treasurer has indicated we will continue to provide support as support is needed.”