Irymple has welcomed a new community of key workers after 10 new houses were built in the Mallee town, supported by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today celebrated the completion of the housing project, which is one of dozens supported across the state through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
The fund invests in accommodation projects that help regional employers attract and retain essential workers, who in turn contribute to the area's liveability, prosperity and opportunity. In Irymple, where the population has increased rapidly, those workers include professionals in law enforcement, healthcare and childcare.
Completed ahead of schedule by local builder MCBG Karadoc, the project has transformed a previously empty cul-de-sac into a vibrant new part of the community, with the 10 houses already occupied or allocated to incoming tenants.
This includes a local Police Officer, who moved to Irymple to develop his new career with Victoria Police. The first tenant into the development, the officer, is now a key part of the community - both professionally through law enforcement, and personally, through his connections in town such as the local footy club.
Similarly, the housing project has meant that local childcare operator Sean Dowsley has been able to secure four more staff to meet the high demand for childcare services at his Country Bunch Early Learning centre in Irymple.
In addition to accommodation for new key workers, the housing project also created new jobs and engaged 51 local businesses, from hardware suppliers and fence-builders through to electricians and tilers.
There are now more than 40 projects being supported by the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, unlocking around $370 million in new housing investment for thousands of regional workers.
The fund is part of our $47 billion delivered in regional investments in just over a decade, driving economic growth and making Victoria a better place to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes MP
"What a fantastic project - one that's responded to a need for local accommodation and a need for local employment."
"Across the state we're supporting projects like this one in Irymple, providing more stable workforces for the industries and businesses that help our regions to thrive."
As stated by MCBG Karadoc Director Ben Garraway
"This project is exactly what we stand for: building with purpose and leaving a lasting, positive impact on the community we serve."
"This project has successfully provided accommodation for essential workers employed by local businesses in our area. Since the project's initiation, we have also expanded our team by hiring four new staff members, including two apprentices."
As stated by Country Bunch Early Learning Centre Director Sean Dowsley
"This accommodation has been critical to our business and being able to provide for this service to the community."
"It's been essential to securing new staff - some of whom have joined us from Melbourne and New Zealand, such is the local demand for childcare."
As stated by a local Victoria Police Officer
"Irymple is a great community that I'm excited to now be a part of - both as a resident and as a local police officer. Access to this accommodation has allowed me to kick-start my new career with Victoria Police in regional Victoria."
