UPDATE

Site announced for GovHub

Concept designs have been unveiled for the Latrobe Valley GovHub to be located at 65 Church Street in Morwell.

It will house 150 workers from the Victorian public service including Earth Resources Regulation staff, who will establish a new head office in the Latrobe Valley and Parks Victoria staff working in environment, research and other service functions.

With mine regulation and rehabilitation a key focus for the region, the regulator’s new head office will ensure the best local minds are working for the community.

Up to half of the 150 Victorian Government roles will be newly advertised positions, so local job-seekers can apply and the remaining positions will be consolidated from Melbourne.

The project will create up to 100 construction jobs, with work expected to commence later this year and completion in 2020.

Victoria Valley Meat Exports set for expansion

Victoria Valley Meat Exports in Trafalgar is one of the latest grant recipients from Regional Development Victoria’s Economic Facilitation Fund which helps businesses to expand and employ more people. 

The company will create 89 jobs following a $7.5 million investment to upgrade their facilities and support growth in key export markets in the United States and South East Asia.

Also among the latest funding recipients are Gippsland Strawberries, Riviera Farms, Trafalgar Medical Centre and Gibsons Groundspread.  

Since being created, Regional Development Victoria’s Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund has created 836 new jobs across 29 local businesses.  

For more information on the Fund click here. 

Boomers land in the Valley

The best and brightest basketballers of the WNBL are charging into Gippsland thanks to a new partnership between the ‘Deakin Melbourne Boomers’ and the Victorian Government.

Australian Opals Jenna O’Hea, Steph Talbot and Cayla George, along with newly signed Latrobe Valley talents Chelsea D’Angelo and Jaz Shelley, headline a host of hoop-stars who’ll make the region their home away from home for the next two years.

The Boomers will help develop Gippsland basketball clubs with junior clinics, open trainings days, coach-the-coaches sessions and sports management and marketing training, plus shake the room in a three-game pre-season carnival, playing games in Warragul, Traralgon and Sale over four days.

The partnership will also feature a host of community engagement activities across the region, with the Boomers to visit Traralgon, Moe, Churchill, Morwell, Maffra, Warragul and Sale in addition to their Gippsland games.

The two-year partnership has been forged as part of the Victorian Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative.

Click here to read the full story. 

Momentum building for GROW

Last week, a number of Gippsland businesses attended the launch of Gippsland Business Connect. An initiative of GROW Gippsland, the website is designed for business people across Gippsland to share events and projects in one central location. 

GROW Gippsland (Growing Regional Opportunities for Work) is a new collaborative program that seeks to strengthen social and economic outcomes and increase job opportunities through maximising local spend in the region. 

The initiative was established in Geelong in 2013 where it has now signed on more than 80 local businesses and organisations. It has created around 80 job pathways and led to a shift to local spending valued at $20.21 million.

The program aims to increase employment opportunities for all members of our community, particularly people who may require additional support or an introduction to the workforce. 

Businesses involved in GROW commit to an assessment of their suppliers, procurement and employment practices and priority projects.

There are 19 participants signed up to GROW Gippsland, with more expected soon. 

Improved energy efficiency for Moe Golf Club

Moe Golf Club received a $52,875 grant under the LVA’s Community Facility Fund for the installation of a solar panel and battery system. It will significantly reduce the club’s operating costs, with expected savings of $193,301 over a 15 year period.

The project will allow the club to maintain social activities, continue to support social programs like the Council ‘Meals on Wheels’ program, improve financial sustainability and reduce the Club’s energy emissions. We chatted to Moe Golf Club President Anthony Gauci about what it means for the future of the Club.

For more information on the LVA's Community Facility Fund click here. 

The Worker Transition Service at work

Rongo Taura was made redundant from Carter Holt Harvey after 28 years of service as a Mill Hand. 

Rongo was approached by GEST about an upcoming 4 week pre-employment program which was developed in partnership with Flavorite, to give transitioning workers an insight into the types of skills required to gain employment at the hydroponic farm in Warragul. 

Rongo had very good work history but didn’t feel confident about applying for positions in different industries. Through the pre-employment program, Rongo received one-on-one support along with a supportive classroom environment – highlighting her skills and experience and giving her the confidence she needed to embark on a new career. 

GEST worked closely with Flavorite to identify what they were looking for in new employees, and this was reflected in the course that was developed. 

As a result of the program, Rongo was able to apply for a new position as a Crop Care Technician. She was successful and is currently enjoying her new role at Flavorite. 

GEST will be running another course later in the year. 

Upcoming industry briefings

Attend one of the following Gippsland Major Infrastructure Industry Briefings to learn more about major infrastructure projects in the region and find out how your business can get involved.

Drouin Golf Club
4pm-6.30pm, Thursday 14 June - Register now

Italian Australian Club, Morwell
7.30am-10am, Tuesday 19 June - Register now

Criterion Hotel, Sale
4pm-6.30pm, Thursday 21 June - Register now