Waimate appoints work co-ordinator
The Waimate District Council has appointed Lisa Dobson as a fulltime employment coordinator to work with those looking for employment.
She is tasked with facilitating the Community Recovery initiative – which the council recently received $250,000 to establish within the Waimate District – in collaboration with the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs and Ministry of Social Development.
Dobson will work closely alongside Waimate District business owners to assist with recruitment, training and guidance.
‘‘This is such a great opportunity to make a big difference to the growth of the district and looking ahead, it’s about getting to know the community and them getting to know me . . . [and] we’ll take it from there,’’ Dobson said.
‘‘I’m looking forward to working with potential employers and equally helping to support those looking for work, and bringing the two pieces together.
‘‘The opportunities on both sides are there and in this role, I’ll certainly be doing everything I can to help identify that potential,’’ Dobson said.
Waimate District mayor Craig Rowley says the programme will be well received throughout the district.
‘‘This is a great plus for our district and will help to connect employers looking for staff, and vice versa, jobseekers looking for employment,’’ Rowley said.
‘‘It’s a great fit and aligns well with everything going on around the district from an economic development perspective too.
‘‘So we see this position to be an important link between council and businesses and believe there’s going to be some great opportunities opening up that will continue to both expand and push the district forward,’’ Rowley said.
The council’s aim is to help 25 people into meaningful work by the end of June 2021, and the programme has the potential to continue into 2022.