BORDER FORCE HERE

NOW HIRING: Influx of jobs at Avalon international terminal

BORDER Force has launched a recruiting drive for specialised customs staff at Avalon Airport.

It is believed more than 50 new jobs will be created before the first AirAsia flight departs Avalon’s new international terminal on December 5.

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it is looking for flexible staff to work at Avalon and across the Victorian Regional Command.

BORDER Force has launched a recruiting drive for the specialised customs staff needed to operate Victoria’s second international airport at Avalon.

With the first international flight due to depart Avalon Airport’s international terminal in just 86 days, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it is looking for flexible staff to work at Avalon and across the Victorian Regional Command.

The Geelong Advertiser understands there will be more than 50 staff hired at Avalon.

The Department of Home Affairs has remained tightlipped on the number of staff set to work at the terminal, while Avalon Airport chief executive officer Justin Giddings has said the border force workforce will be “significant”.

“The border force is a big part of the build,” Mr Giddings said.

“The whole point of the project is that it is going to be good for Geelong — not just in terms of the flights and people staying in hotels and visiting the area, but also because locals are going to be able to have more employment opportunities.”

A spokeswoman said the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Home Affairs is working closely with Avalon Airport and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to establish border services at Avalon Airport in time for the commencement of international flights on December 5.

“The ABF is currently looking for flexible, adaptable and reliable people to undertake work on a temporary non-ongoing or casual basis across the Victorian Regional Command which includes the Avalon Airport,” the spokeswoman said.

“ABF officers work as part of a high-performing team and alongside other law enforcement agencies, accessing the best technology and playing a key role in protecting Australia’s borders.”

Mr Giddings said more than 100 staff would be expected to be working out of the airport at any one time once the terminal was complete — with the number to rise if more carriers choose to fly from Avalon.

“It’s a number-one priority to expand and grow the airport,” Mr Giddings said.

“We want more flights and more destinations. We are building this not just for the flights to Kuala Lumpur — we would love to be able to fly to more holiday destinations and New Zealand.”

Mr Giddings said a recent survey of Geelong residents conducted by airport management found airport users wanted to be able to fly to New Zealand from Avalon.

He said the airport was in talks with “a number of carriers” who could provide these services.

Mr Giddings said staff were working closely with Skybus to ensure easy access to the airport.

Home Affairs requires all applicants to be Australian citizens and undergo relevant health and security checks.

While Home Affairs would not detail specific jobs available at Geelong, the majority of roles are expected to include work undertaken outside of standard business hours.

A Border Force Officer Recruit Traineeship will also be open shortly with successful applicants likely to undertake training to become a Border Officer at Avalon.

In May 2018, the Government committed $20 million to support Avalon Airport in building its international terminal.

“The whole point of the project is that it is going to be good for Geelong — not just in terms of the flights and people staying in hotels and visiting the area, but also because locals are going to be able to have more employment opportunities.” AVALON AIRPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JUSTIN GIDDINGS