Wednesday, 15 August, 2018
GROWING JOBS FOR LOCALS IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY
The Andrews Labor Government is backing jobseekers in Shepparton with a new program that creates jobs by encouraging businesses to use local products and services.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp today announced $750,000 for the Committee for Greater Shepparton to establish the Growing Regional Opportunities for Work (GROW) initiative in the region.
GROW will bring business, government, community organisations and individuals together to address disadvantage in areas of high unemployment.
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.
All GROW partners commit to building a stronger local economy, and to offering opportunities to job seekers in places where there are high rates of joblessness.
The project deals with the known correlation between unemployment and disadvantage. Local businesses and agencies will have the opportunity to get involved in the coming months.
Working together with participating organisations, the Shepparton GROW Program aims to improve social and economic development by:
- supporting regional business participation in supply chains
- facilitating procurement of major projects and services to focus on local supplier participation
- embedding social procurement policies so contracts issued in the region include training and employment outcomes for target communities.
Quotes attributable to Mark Gepp MP, State Member for Northern Victoria
“GROW will bring together community groups, business and governments to increase local investment, grow local jobs and address disadvantage.”
“Shepparton GROW will boost employment through a partnership of organisations and businesses that buy and use local, so more people can find a job.”
“This is a wonderful initiative and great news for Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley. GROW will benefit local businesses, the supply chain and job seekers across our region.”
