Jobs program wins state prize

A PROGRAM putting the disadvantaged into work has been recognised with a statewide award.

The Geelong Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) program took out the policy development category at the Institute of Public Administration Australia award in Melbourne on Tuesday.

GROW has 70 local organisations committed to local procurement, and has put 72 people into jobs since it was established in 2016 by advocacy group G21 and the Give Where You Live Foundation.

IPAA CEO David Ali said the award celebrated exemplary public sector innovation and leadership. as a sector to acknowledge wins and the people who strive for excellence across our state.”

Give Where You Live Foundation CEO and G21 chair Bill Mithen said the award is a significant endorsement of GROW’s progress.

“We are so proud of GROW, our community’s response to GROW and particularly the difference that GROW is making,” Mr Mithen said.

“We continue to urge local businesses and organisations to become part of this meaningful regional collective by signing the initiative and starting to plan to help deliver social benefit.”

“We are so proud of GROW, our community’s response to GROW and particularly the difference that GROW is making.” BILL MITHEN