The Victorian Government is providing more jobs in central Victoria and boosting health care services across Castlemaine and the Mount Alexander Shire region with targeted support.
As part of the government's $500 million Working for Victoria fund, an extra eight people will be employed at Castlemaine District Community Health.
The roles are a response to a surge in demand experienced due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, with additional workers allowing Castlemaine District Community Health to better support isolated and vulnerable community members, such as those with a disability or who are homeless.
The boost will also help to provide counselling and case management of an increased number of people who need mental health and alcohol and other drug support.
A community engagement worker will work on a short-term engagement project with the Castlemaine LGBTI+ community to assist in linking people to services and support Castlemaine District Community Health volunteers to set up online training and development.
The organisation provides a wide range of services in the Mount Alexander Shire community, including alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, housing and homelessness services, community health nursing and family services. The not-for-profit's endeavours are prioritised for people who may be vulnerable due to a range of factors.
Since launching in April, the $500 million Working for Victoria initiative has created more than 10,000 jobs, including supporting people who have lost their jobs due to the impacts of coronavirus.
Working for Victoria has created more than 170 local jobs across Greater Bendigo and the Mount Alexander regions through organisations including the Greater Bendigo Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Bendigo Family and Financial Services Inc, Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
For more information or to register for Working for Victoria go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
As stated by Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
"The pandemic has presented big challenges to our society, especially for people who were already vulnerable and isolated. These jobs have provided both a leg-up to workers who needed a break and a real community benefit."
"Working for Victoria can also match jobseekers to suitable positions offered be employers from across the state - I encourage people looking for work to register and see what's available."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"We're creating jobs right here in Castlemaine in response to the increased demand for services - these positions will help support some of our most vulnerable community members."
As stated by Castlemaine District Community HealthCEO Dianne Couch
"We are also thrilled that the initiative is about creating local work opportunities and the people we have recruited are very much members of our local community."
