Training hands for local stables

ONE hundred new jobs within Miners Rest’s horse racing sector have been funded by the State Government.

Ballarat Turf Club has partnered with Racing Victoria to hire and train the workers, who don’t need prior equine experience to gain employment at any of the 80 local stables.

BTC CEO Belinda Glass said having the capacity to assist the industry’s trainers is key, with most operations are understaffed and management limited time to recruit.

“It’s a really good connection and opportunity for stables to take advantage of,” she said.

“It takes time to advertise, shortlist, interview, and recruit staff, and we’ve got a project team in place now to support them full-time.

“Whether they’re looking for an entry-level stable hand, a float truck driver, treadmill operator, or potentially an admin trainee, there’s a large scope of people we can draw on to help them fill their roles.

“Although they have the final say on who they employ, we bring them the candidates that have already potentially completed the mandatory training they need.”

Mum of four Nyandeng Sallivanmusyoka migrated to Australia from Ethiopia in 2006 and is a newly employed stable hand at Matt Cumani Racing.

Although she had previous experience with farm stock, Ms Sallivanmusyoka had never worked with horses until autumn.

She said settling into her role has been easy and she feels confident, not only because she’s been thoroughly trained, but because she likes animals.

“I came out of the training and thought, ‘I can do it’,” she said. “I love the way they teach me. I know I can do things because people are there to help me.

“A lot of migrants struggle… but I’m really happy here. I like the job.”

Racehorse trainer Matt Cumani said new employees to the industry can find the atmosphere and the early mornings overwhelming, but having this targeted training program to prepare people like Ms Sallivanmusyoka before they step into the stables is invaluable.

“It’s a big help,” he said. “Nyandeng has been here for the past couple of weeks, and she’s been great.

“She had no experience with horses, but she’s been straight into it, and I think she’s enjoying… what she is doing, which is grooming and stable work.

“If we can get a steady flow of those sort of people coming into our business, and the industry as a whole, I think it will be terrific.”

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines said 34,000 people work within the sector across Victoria.

“It’s a huge jobs provider, and there’s 600 or 700 jobs in the Ballarat region alone,” he said.

“This industry can take you around the world, and also has a huge history here in Ballarat.”

Within the broad $3.1 million initiative, 100 further jobs have been funded across stables in Melbourne, and broader Victoria.