Community begins to benefit from the Robinvale Euston Industry forum

Employment opportunities within the Robinvale and Euston regions are forecast to significantly increase over the next 2-3 years, with up to 250 skilled positions becoming available. During this same timeframe, a further 540–600 contractor positions are estimated to be needed as 15,000 hectares of almonds and other permanent plantings reach maturity.

In response to these significant and upcoming employment demands and opportunities, Our Place Robinvale recently hosted an industry forum. The industry forum was a great success and has since resulted in partnerships and commitments from local organisations and employers to work collaboratively to address these demands and ensure all community members, including the most vulnerable members, can and will benefit from upcoming opportunities.

What’s happened since the forum?

Local employers have committed to providing 46 entry-level jobs within the region in the areas of hospitality, heavy diesel, engineering, horticulture, light auto, business, and tyre fitting. A working party has also been established to help fulfil ten entry-level positions by the end of July and will involve a large social media campaign.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas has also announced a horticulture pilot program that includes new seasonal workforce group traineeships, which will be rolled out across Sunraysia, the Goulburn Valley and Gippsland regions. The Robinvale Community Development Advisor Role has also been extended to 30 June 2023, to ensure the Robinvale Euston Workforce Network (REWN) is established and able to address workforce shortages within the region. 

Gayle Tierney, the Minister for Training and Skills, recently visited SuniTAFE’s Robinvale College campus to launch the new Mallee Skills and Jobs Vans, an initiative of the Mallee Regional Partnership. This means that a fleet of four vans will now be able to visit schools, community centres and workplaces in Robinvale and other surrounding areas, to provide all community members with free advice and connections to education, training, and employment opportunities.

The services that the mobile Mallee Skills and Jobs vans will provide include; pathways to training, career counselling, resume writing and interview preparation. The project will also employ two new specialist staff who will focus on building strong connections with employers and industry to ensure the needs of the local communities are met. These staff will also have a particular focus on supporting young people, retrenched workers, women returning to work, mature aged workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, and people living with disability.

Aligning with the Our Place Approach

This is an example of how performing the role of ‘the glue’ supports collaborative, outcome focused partnerships that benefit the community. As Our Place is not a direct provider of services or programs, our expertise is in building long-term relationships and coordinating the engagement, consultation, and data-informed planning that helps drive innovation and targeted service development. For more information about the Our Place Approach, CLICK HERE