Development group eyes city tradies
The Wimmera’s leading economic development organisation has encouraged metropolitan tradespeople to consider potential career and business opportunities available to them in the region.
Wimmera Development Association chief executive Chris Sounness said he welcomed any tradespeople affected by large corporate failures in cities to assess the lifestyle and business opportunities in the Wimmera.
He said the association was eager to work with local government and regional Victorian communities to attract more tradespeople to the region, a key pillar in sustaining Wimmera population and economic growth.
“The Wimmera needs more tradies and we are in the process of developing the required business ecosystem and support networks so that tradespeople weighing up their job prospects in the major cities can see a real opportunity here,” he said.
“We have been looking at how to entrench the right facilities and networks incoming tradespeople need to thrive.
“Things are happening in this space and we are looking at how to develop the right ecosystem and support networks for those weighing up business and lifestyle changes.”
Mr Sounness said the association was aware a large-scale commercial construction company that went into administration might leave many metropolitan construction workers with an uncertain future.
Last week restructure partners took control of more than 18 companies linked to the parent company of construction giant Probuild, a part of WBHO Australia Group, controlled by WBHO South Africa.
The company stated delays and variables connected to the COVID-19 environment were mostly responsible.
Mr Sounness said the association would make announcements in the coming months about its plans to attract and sustain an increase in tradespeople relocating from the cities.
“We have been working on things in recent months and things are happening in this space,” he said.
“They have vital skills for our region to grow.
“The great thing about Wimmera communities is the supportive and understanding nature of the people.
“It makes communication easier between clients and tradespeople, for example, and it is a great place to come and start your own business.”
Mr Sounness said the association would target tradespeople who were working for an employer but aspired to start their own company.
“If people are involved or impacted by large corporate failures in the construction sector, perhaps they are reassessing what is important to them,” he said.
“Maybe tradies working in metropolitan environments will see potential in a move to the Wimmera that allows them to spend more time with family and to build their own business, rather than work for someone in the city. We will certainly be rolling out the welcome mat and we already have work underway to facilitate their transition.”