FIFTY new jobs have been created in fire and land management across the state for people disadvantaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
The State Government\u2019s Forest Fire Management Jobs program is worth almost $740,000 and open to those currently underrepresented in the sector including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people.<\/p>\n
Sixteen Aboriginal employees have so far been recruited into the initiative as operations officers, and they are receiving training, mentoring and cultural support in their roles.<\/p>\n
The initiative was officially announced by employment minister Jaala Pulford last week, who said it was aimed at creating job security in uncertain times.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program will help Victoria to better prepare for the fire season and deliver secure jobs to people who have been hit hardest by the pandemic,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are creating job opportunities for Victorians right across the state through programs that provide the right support to help people back into work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aboriginal affairs minister Gabrielle Williams said there were a range of benefits for First Nations workers in the role, who could also draw on their valuable knowledge of Country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is empowering Aboriginal Victorians to contribute in a role highly beneficial to their community while remaining connected to Country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Environment minister Lily D\u2019Ambrosio echoed Ms Williams\u2019 comments and said the program built on fire management measures already in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a wonderful opportunity for jobseekers across the state to join our fire and land management workers and help keep Victoria safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program is part of the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which aims to create 10,000 jobs for people hit hardest by the pandemic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FIFTY new jobs have been created in fire and land management across the state for people disadvantaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Government\u2019s Forest Fire Management Jobs program is worth almost $740,000 and open to those currently underrepresented in the sector including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people. Sixteen […]<\/p>\n