UPDATE

GROW Gippsland kicks off

Momentum is building in the local community after 45 participants met last week at the Yallourn North Hotel to kick off the GROW Gippsland program.

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

GROW Gippsland will also focus on generating employment opportunities for key sections of our community – including young people, transitioning workers, Aboriginal people and the long-term unemployed.

Initially, the program will work with up to 30 of our key local purchasers and suppliers to review their procurement, employment, and supply capability with the aim of strengthening organisational and regional local and social impact.

The GROW program will also work to maximise local and social procurement and employment in the delivery of our large pipeline of upcoming infrastructure projects.

Latrobe Valley Authority is facilitating the program after feedback from Latrobe Valley businesses and the community in 2017 identified increasing local purchasing as a key driver of economic growth and jobs.

The program is being delivered by ArcBlue Consulting, experts in local and social procurement and employment, who have been working on a similar program with the Geelong community since the closure of Ford in 2013. 

The Geelong G21 GROW program has seen participant organisations commit to moving 7% of their regional expenditure from non-local to local suppliers by 2020, with the aim of generating more than 2,500 jobs (including 500 for target communities) and in excess of $1 billion into the regional economy annually.

Start a new career in the disability sector

The growth of the disability sector in our region offers great employment opportunities for people who want flexible, diverse and highly satisfying work. 

Employers value people with good communication skills, empathy, work ethic, a team approach, keenness to innovate, time management skills, and energy.

Enrol in an industry taster course for an introduction to the disability sector and the jobs available as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out.

Industry taster course

Accredited training in first-aid, food hygiene, manual handling and non-accredited training in workplace communication skills and disability practice.

• 12 day taster program over 6 weeks
• Commences Monday 4 June

Register your interest now

Gippsland CNC to relocate and expand

Gippsland CNC is one of the latest grant recipients from Regional Development Victoria’s Economic Facilitation Fund. The business will relocate and expand, creating 17 new full time jobs in Morwell.

The project includes fit out of a new facility, purchase of a five tonne crane, new laser cutting and Plasma/Oxy cutting equipment, as well as installation of a warehouse infrastructure and management system. 

It will enable the company to precision cut larger sheets of metal, target new markets and offer more services to customers.

Regional Development Victoria’s Economic Facilitation Fund has assisted 24 businesses to grow their operations, creating over 570 new jobs in the region.

Click here to read more

Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley

Ladder's first six week Step Up Latrobe Valley program started this week.

Each young person will be supported by Ladder’s Step Up Latrobe Valley Development Coaches – Tanarly Hood and Virginia Gratton - and have the option to be mentored by someone who is a leader in their field.

Growing up in the Latrobe Valley, Tanarly has been a key player and coach with Latrobe City Energy Basketball, and this year made the move to Casey to play in Division 1 State League, where her team has had an undefeated 5 game start to the season. She is a great role model for young people in the Latrobe Valley, and an asset to the local Ladder team.

Virginia has much local youth experience through her work with Red Frogs as in addition to experience within business and finance sectors. With a wonderful demeanour and passion for helping, Virginia will be a great fit with the Ladder team.

Program activities will includes things like a tour of the MCG, street art, Barefoot Bowls, cooking classes, a trip to the snow, Melbourne trips, AFL games, bowling and guest speakers to name a few.

If you, or someone you know aged 16-25 that may be interested in joining future programs please contact Fiona Doultree on 0438 254 781 or email infoLV@ladder.org.au

For more information click here

Facility upgrades for The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place in Morwell will receive infrastructure and facility upgrades thanks to a $15,647 grant from the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund.

The project includes installation of a new Colorbond fence to create a secure outdoor courtyard area for functions and events, installation of a safety barrier to cordon off kitchen from main reception area, purchase of new cookery equipment to support the meals program and purchase of four laptops for staff and clients to access the internet and increase their digital skills.

The Aboriginal Gathering Place is about the community coming together to learn, share and to celebrate cultural activity.

For more information click here

Expansion for Dennis Jones Engineering

Dennis Jones Engineering received $9,470 in stamp duty reimbursements through LVA's Economic Growth Zone for expansion to a new workshop in Morwell - meaning more room and improved capability.

“The LVA reimbursed us for another property we bought next door so we can expand.”

“We’re always looking for new avenues, new work, so we’re always willing to pick up new jobs and try different work scopes,” said Mr Jones. 

Financial incentives offered under the Economic Growth Zone aim to create a better business environment for the Latrobe Valley, making it easier, faster and less costly to do business.

Gippsland Regional Assembly 2018

The 2018 Gippsland Regional Assembly will be held in Wonthaggi on Thursday 28 June.

This years’ event will build on priorities identified by community members at the 2017 Assembly:

• Connectivity – making sure transport network and digital technologies are current and well-functioning to meet the needs of Gippsland’s people.
• Energy and resources – securing Victoria’s future resource needs and uses while also considering new energy technologies.
• Family and community wellbeing – ensuring Gippsland’s people meet the health and wellbeing standards of the average Australian.
• Food and fibre – positioning Gippsland as ‘open for business’ for Agriculture investment and as a leader in food and fibre technology.
• Skills and education – increasing Gippslanders’ aspirations and improving infrastructure to participate and succeed in education at all levels.
• Visitor economy and tourism – boosting the Gippsland tourism industry and increasing visitors to our unique region.
• New jobs and industry – improving employment opportunities in our region.

The Gippsland Regional Partnership is one of nine Partnerships across the state, established by the Victorian Government, recognising that local communities are in the best position to understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by their region.

For more information click here

Grow your business, together - free business breakfasts for small business

Are you a small business owner or operator?

Don’t miss this opportunity to attend a FREE business breakfast and hear from high quality guest speakers in your town.

Registrations are open now:

Moe – Thursday 3 May Tickets

Drouin – Friday 4 May Tickets

Yarram – Tuesday 22 May Tickets

Maffra – Wednesday 23 May Tickets

Sale – Thursday 24 May Tickets

These events are hosted by local business networks with support from Victorian Small Business Commission and Latrobe Valley Authority.