August 2023

Latest News

Future Focus - Support Fairs

Peter Harrison and Liz De Nittis at the CALD Support Fair

We held three GameChange ‘Future Focus’ Support Fairs during May and June, which not only provided a unique way for community to connect, but also a forum for connection and collaboration between the services and organisations present. Community members popped in to chat with a range of organisations, all there to help them on their journey to finding support and the right job.

A similar project will take place in 2024 - 'Investing in Those Who Need it the Most' Priority Action Group (PAG). We hope to see you there.

Workplace Innovation

The 'Flexible Workplace Models' PAG has designed a project that spotlights local employers who are doing something a little bit differently to attract and retain staff - with successful results. Seven employers have been interviewed by a journalist for in-depth case studies, which will be launched later this year.

The project focuses on new ways of working, flexible mindsets when recruiting and maintaining staff, and practices that ensure the feasible accommodation of a diverse workforce and a thriving workplace culture.

For more information email GameChange on gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au.

"Collaboration and connection is really powerful amongst our whole community. This GameChange experience is bringing everyone together."
- Kylie Reid, 'Communication and Collaboration' Priority Action Group member

GameChange Principles

Fuelled by Learning - Employers and Jobseekers to Meet

The 'Targeted Training' PAG's first project is a series of four free online workshops, where jobseekers can hear from local employers and their employees about:

What kinds of jobs are available in their organisation
Career pathways
Skills needed to get a job

Each session will have Q&A time and the sectors featured include manufacturing / engineering and health/allied health/aged care.

The first session will be on Wednesday 16 August (6pm-7pm), with three additional events scheduled for: 30 August, 13 and 27 September.

Read more information online or join the session.

"I realised, with all my English and skills and connections, how difficult it is to settle in a new country and that’s where I’m able to relate to what other people are going through. I think that voice is being heard here – it’s so important."
- Sri Samy, 'Investing in Those Who Need it the Most' Priority Action Group member

Manal's Spot

Manal Mohamed

Manal is a local community member who recently joined the GameChange team to work on a project with the 'Communication and Collaboration' PAG, entitled "Greater Dandenong Connect". This project brings together information and contact details about our local employment and support services onto one online platform, to make it easier for all stakeholders to access the right information and support for their clients.

Spotlight On

GameChange's Sister-Site - Opportunity Wyndham

Group of people collaborating around a table

The City of Greater Dandenong's place-based project - GameChange, is funded by the Victorian Government, who also funds similar projects across other sites in Victoria. In Melbourne's southwest, Wyndham City Council has also been looking at the jobs and skills sector and has developed a toolkit for employers. While their community is different in many ways, there is much that we have in common and can share.

Read an interview with Josh Badenoch, from 'Opportunity Wyndham'.

Employment Resources

Free Engineering Training

Run by Chisholm Institute, the Jobs Victoria Engineering Project provides paid training, mentoring, matches to employers and 12 months of guaranteed work.

People standing in standing in front of a bus

Women at the Wheel - Open Day

Would you like to find out about careers in bus driving, training and employment opportunities? Ventura will be hosting Women at the Wheel Open Day on Saturday 19 August.

English for Daily Life Classes

The Bakhtar Community Organisation will hold classes in Hallam to boost confidence in English language communication for refugees.

Help with English, Resumes, Forms and Applications

The library offers free help with English, forms, cover letters, interviews, job searching and more, with drop-in sessions available.

"Biggest value for me is collaboration, and understanding where people are."
- David Murphy, 'Targeted Training' Priority Action Group member

Supporting Community

Jobseeker Reference Group

This group is an essential part of GameChange, giving advice to other parts of the initiative and made up of local community members who have lived-experience of job searching and barriers to employment. Members are diverse, highly-engaged and meet every three weeks to workshop ideas, provide advice and contribute to changing the local employment system.

Recently the group has provided feedback to the GameChange initiative on the Future Focus Support Fairs, flexible workplace habits and the development of a potential central employment hub. Email the GameChange team to provide feedback or join the group at gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

What is your story?

We'll feature something you've seen or experienced on your GameChange journey - contact the team for a chat.

Email gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Bunurong People, and pay respect to their Elders past and present . We recognise and respect their continuing connections to climate, Culture, Country and waters.