Shire hosts careers expo

BANNOCKBURN YMCA was packed with young people curious about what options their futures might hold on Thursday 4 June.

The Golden Plains Shire Careers Expo attracted about 650 people and 43 stallholders.

There was a range of industries presented.

They included an array of education and training options, as well as local business, hair and beauty, community services, dentistry, recreation, disability and support services, employment support services, Victoria Police recruiting and Australian Defence Force training.

Golden Plains mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the expo was “a fantastic celebration of opportunity and aspiration”.

“Seeing so many young people exploring career pathways, asking thoughtful questions and taking real steps toward their future was fantastic to witness,” Cr Sharkey said.

“I want to thank our outstanding speakers and exhibitors whose support and expertise made this event such a success. Together, we’re helping our young people plan for the future.”

The expo had a youth focus, reflecting the council’s youth development program. For 2026, there were targeted information sessions students could attend based on their interests.

Playing an important role in supporting young people exploring their options, the expo highlighted local opportunities in popular industries, linked students with education and training providers, encouraged youth to live, study and work within the region and assisted community connection and local workforce development.

There will be follow-up initiatives, including Industry Insight Nights and free accredited training opportunities as part of the Golden Plains Youth Work Ready Program.

This month, Industry Insight Nights include one for hair and beauty. It will be held on Tuesday 23 June from 6pm to 8pm at the Golden Plains Civic Centre Council Chambers.

The other will be for music careers, to be held on Thursday 25 June from 4pm to 6.30pm at Bannockburn Youth Hub.

Free courses will be run for RSA training (Saturday 15 August, 10am) and White Card training (Saturday 29 August, 9am) at Golden Plains Youth Hub.

Safe Food Handling (Saturday 17 October, 10am) will run at the Teesdale Community Hall, while the Golden Plains Youth Hub will host a CPR Refresher on Saturday 24 October at 10am.