Leeton Shire Council, JBS Foods Riverina and Welcoming Australia are coming together on Monday, 11 September, to celebrate workforce diversity, and to demonstrate the value of workforce attraction and retention, which are key pillars for businesses in rural/regional Australia.
Not only is JBS Leeton's largest and most diverse employer but also the world's largest meat processor. The company aspires to be an employer of choice and is presently working on standard indicators with Welcoming Australia to be accredited as Australia's first "Welcoming Workplace".
At 10am on Monday, 11 September, Leeton's Mayor Cr Tony Reneker, community representatives, Welcoming Australia, and the entire workforce at JBS (approximately 450), will gather for a special morning tea to celebrate diversity.
Mayor Reneker is looking forward to the event, stating, "Council is really proud to have a major industry like JBS in Leeton Shire gearing up to be Australia's first accredited 'Welcoming Workplace'. Retaining workforce is as critical as recruitment if we are to effectively address skills gaps in the regions and build a cohesive community. Council is committed to supporting local industries like JBS with their efforts to help newcomers settle and truly feel part of our wonderful, welcoming Shire."
The event has been organised to coincide with Welcoming Week (8-17 September) which celebrates and showcases how communities like ours work to make Leeton Shire a welcoming place for all, including migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, international students and the entire community.
Council's Multicultural Advisor Ken Dachi echoed these sentiments, saying, "Welcoming Week 2023 is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people, places, and values that ensure everyone feels welcome and belongs in the local community, no matter where they come from."
