Jobs project launched

>> 100 Aussie Jobs target for district

Kyabram Community Learning Centre is set to take part in the newest Goulburn Valley Food Co-operative project the ‘100 Aussie Jobs Campaign.’

The campaign, which is set to be run by KCLC in conjunction with a steering committee of growers and processors, group employment agencies, indigenous leaders, food industry leaders, educators and politicians, aims to create 100 permanent jobs across the Goulburn Valley.

GV Food Cooperative Public Officer Les Cameron said the idea behind the campaign was simple.

‘‘It is obvious to everyone that we have plenty of work across the Valley but so much of it is casual employment that it finishes up going to those just travelling through,’’ he said.

‘‘We believe it is time we consolidated some of those part time jobs into consistent employment.’’

The campaign aims to create 100 permanent jobs by taking 500 short terms jobs and creating 48 weeks of continual work and four weeks of paid holidays.

The jobs will be managed by a group employer and guided by KCLC, training organisations and community mentors.

Employers who need staff for horticulture, agriculture, food processing, food retail and hospitality and related industries will be provided with staff who have undertaken a nationally accredited training program.

KCLC is set to meet with the campaign steering committee on August 26 to finalise the structure of the program.

Meetings will be ongoing with KCLC chief executive Leah McNulty, the Fruit Growers Victoria team of Tony Fillipi and Gary Godwill, as well as senior officers in Victoria’s departments of Education and Economic Development.

Mr Cameron said preliminary meetings showed the Department of Education was enthusiastic about the idea and how it could help provide financial support to KCLC to lead the campaign.

It is hoped that the official launch will take place in early October in time for a late November start.