More funding for jobs initiative

THE State Government has splashed $750,000 on an initiative to create jobs in disadvantaged communities around Geelong.

The cash injection will go towards GROW — G21 Regional Opportunities For Work — which aims to tackle disadvantage in Norlane, Corio, Whittington and Colac.

It comes on top of a previous $1 million from the government to fund the program for five years. The initiative, set up in 2014 by the Give Where You Live Foundation and G21, aims to encourage enterprises to strategically buy and employ locally.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive Bill Mithen said the government investment was warranted, with figures showing GROW had facilitated at least 179 jobs in the region within one year.

He said 75 of those jobs were in disadvantaged target communities.

“This announcement will go a long way to ensuring GROW continues to benefit the region, but specifically those in disadvantaged areas,” Mr Mithen said.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said addressing longterm disadvantage was often about cultural change and collective action.

“Our GROW compact signatories continue to illustrate why our region has flourished as it undertakes such an initiative,” she said.

“These plans are a catalyst for change in disadvantaged communities.

“We’re delighted that the groundwork and hard slog put in ... has shown what’s possible and has inspired others to follow.”

For more information about the initiative, visit www.grow.g21.com.au